Freyer's Fritillary
Common NameFreyer's Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea arduinna
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, steppe, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Central Asia
Host PlantsPlantago, Verbascum
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are gregarious in early instars, feeding on leaves, and typically overwinter as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its distinctive orange and black checkered pattern, particularly the prominent black spots in the submarginal area of both forewings and hindwings. The specific pattern of the underside can also be diagnostic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a vibrant orange upperside heavily marked with a black checkered pattern, including a submarginal row of black spots. The underside is typically paler orange and brown with distinct rows of spots.
