High Brown Fritillary
Common NameHigh Brown Fritillary
Scientific NameFabriciana adippe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)62.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, silver
HabitatOpen woodlands, clearings, heathland, grassland, often on slopes with bracken or scrub
Geographic RangeEurope (widespread but declining), temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsViola riviniana, Viola canina, Viola palustris
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, eggs laid singly, larvae overwinter as first instars, emerging in spring to feed on violets. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific pattern of silver spots on the underside of the hindwing, which are often bordered with black. Males have prominent sex brands on the forewing veins.
Description
A medium-to-large fritillary with bright orange-brown wings heavily marked with black spots and lines on the upperside. The underside of the hindwings is distinctive with greenish-yellow patches and prominent silver spots.
