Grisons Fritillary
Common NameGrisons Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea varia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatAlpine meadows, rocky slopes, subalpine grasslands
Geographic RangeEuropean Alps (Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia)
Host PlantsPlantago alpina, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica spp.
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plants. Larvae are dark with spines and overwinter, resuming feeding in spring before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively small size, the distinct checkered pattern of orange-brown and black, and its preference for high-altitude alpine habitats.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with a vibrant orange-brown ground color heavily marked with a black checkered pattern across both forewings and hindwings, and a dark, hairy body.
