Heath Fritillary
Image: Flocci Nivis (CC BY 4.0)
Common NameHeath Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea athalia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsorange, black, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, clearings, heathland, meadows, forest edges
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia to Japan
Host Plantsplantain, speedwell, cow-wheat
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae are black and spiny, feeding gregariously before overwintering, then pupating in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate, dense checkered pattern of orange-yellow and black, often with a row of black spots within orange bands on the hindwing underside.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a striking checkered pattern of bright orange-yellow and black markings across both forewings and hindwings, and a hairy, dark body.
