False Heath Fritillary
Common NameFalse Heath Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea diamina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsorange, dark brown, black, white
HabitatDamp meadows, marshy areas, wet grasslands, forest clearings, and bogs.
Geographic RangeCentral and Eastern Europe, extending eastwards across temperate Asia to Japan.
Host PlantsValeriana officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Plantago lanceolata
Flight PeriodMay to August (typically one generation)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on the host plant. Larvae are gregarious, feeding together and overwintering as small caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its generally darker appearance compared to other fritillaries, and the specific pattern of the underside hindwing, which features a series of white spots along the margin and a distinct orange and white checkered pattern.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with a distinctive checkered pattern of orange-brown and dark brown/black on the upperside, and a paler underside hindwing with rows of orange and white spots, often with a prominent white marginal band.
