Knapweed Fritillary
Common NameKnapweed Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea phoebe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsorange, cream, black
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, open woodland edges, scrubland
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia to Mongolia
Host PlantsCentaurea scabiosa, Centaurea jacea, Centaurea nigra
Flight PeriodMay to August (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on the host plant leaves. Larvae feed on knapweed species, overwintering as small caterpillars before completing development and pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic checkered pattern of orange and pale yellow/cream cells. The underside of the hindwing often features a prominent band of orange spots within the pale cells. Differentiate from similar fritillaries by specific markings and host plant association.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a distinctive checkered pattern of orange and cream-yellow cells outlined in black on both upper and underside wings.
