European Meadow Fritillary
Common NameEuropean Meadow Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea athalia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Primary Colorsorange, cream, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, woodland clearings, forest edges
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Melampyrum pratense
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae feed on the leaves, overwinter as small caterpillars, and pupate in spring before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsIdentified by its characteristic orange and cream/white checkered pattern on both the upper and underside of the wings, with prominent black veins and cell outlines. It is often confused with other fritillaries, requiring close inspection of specific markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a distinctive intricate checkered pattern of orange and cream/white cells outlined in black on its wings, and a hairy, orange-brown body.
