Heath Fritillary
Common NameHeath Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea athalia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown, cream
HabitatWoodland clearings, heathland, grassland, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, Japan
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Melampyrum pratense, Digitalis purpurea, Veronica chamaedrys
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae are black and spiny, feeding communally before pupating, and typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the intricate black network on the orange upperside and the mottled brown, cream, and orange pattern on the underside hindwing, which lacks prominent silver or pearl spots.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with vibrant orange wings heavily marked with a black checkered pattern on the upperside, and a mottled brown, cream, and orange pattern on the underside hindwing.
