Distribution: North Africa and Europe, absent from the UK and central
and northern Scandinavia. A very rare immigrant to S England but in some "years
of abundance" records may total 30 or 40. Becoming temporarily resident
occasionally, a colony may last several years (e.g. Minesmere, SE England in the
early 2000s).
Identification: The large dominating silvery spots on the underside
hindwing are distinctive. Similar spots also appear on the forewing apex, a
unique feature. Spring brood butterflies are said to have greenish dusting
around the wing edges and basally. They are also smaller than the summer brood.
The butterfly can often be differentiated on the wing by the distinctive wing
shape - there is a bulge at the apex which gives a kink in the outer margin
unlike any of the other fritillaries which are smoothly curving.
Flight time: Effectively all year in the right places and with the
right temperatures. The 2007 season has started very early with sightings in
early February in warmish (8°C) but sunny conditions. Certainly these
temperatures are not normal in Switzerland at this time of year, but the
butterflies were ready to fly in good numbers.
Habitat: Hot dry places, often amongst cultivation. In Switzerland it
is associated strongly, but by no means exclusively, with vineyards at low
levels in the Valais.
Behaviour: A migrant, more northerly populations being reinforced
annually by migration from the south.
Additional notes: The underside pearly markings are stunning. They
make this one of the joys of the summer. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have
photographs that really do this justice.
Valais,
Switzerland, February & March 2008
Valais,
Switzerland, September 2006
Valais,
Switzerland, June 2006
Valais,
Switzerland, September 2006
Valais,
Switzerland, September 2006
Valais,
Switzerland, February 2008
NW Greece,
August 2008
Valais,
Switzerland, March 2008
Courtship action - the Aglais urticae (Small Tortoiseshell) in
the second photo is making a mistake.
Valais,
Switzerland, February 2007
An extremely early date so this butterfly is capturing the maximum
amount of heat from this rock.
Valais,
Switzerland, March 2004
Provence,
France, August 2004
Provence,
France, August 2004
Provence,
France, August 2004
Valais,
Switzerland, March 2006
A single male was flying here in weak sun. They are usually common here
in very early in spring when individuals are very small. In summer they
are much larger.
