Eastern Knapweed Fritillary
Common NameEastern Knapweed Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea phoebe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, rocky slopes, open woodland edges
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsCentaurea scabiosa, Centaurea jacea, Plantago lanceolata
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on the host plant. Larvae are black with orange spines, feeding gregariously when young and overwintering as larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange and black checkered pattern, particularly the underside hindwing's mosaic of pale and orange cells outlined in black. It can be distinguished from similar fritillaries by the specific arrangement of these markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a vibrant orange and black checkered pattern on its upperside. The underside of the hindwing displays a mosaic of orange and creamy-yellow cells outlined in black.
