Lesser Spotted Fritillary
Common NameLesser Spotted Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea trivia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatDry grasslands, steppe, open woodlands, rocky slopes, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, Asia Minor, Central Asia, Siberia
Host PlantsVerbascum spp. (mullein), Plantago spp. (plantain)
Flight PeriodMay to August (often bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on mullein or plantain, overwinter as small caterpillars, and pupate in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bright orange upperside with a dense pattern of black spots and lines, and a characteristic underside hindwing pattern that helps differentiate it from similar fritillary species.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with a vibrant orange upperside heavily patterned with numerous black spots and a prominent black border, often with white fringes.
