Marsh Fritillary
Common NameMarsh Fritillary
Scientific NameEuphydryas aurinia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, black, cream
HabitatDamp grasslands, wet meadows, marshy areas, open woodlands, heaths
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsDevil's-bit Scabious, Plantain, Cow-wheat
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae are gregarious, forming silk webs, and overwinter in a hibernaculum before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the unique checkered or mosaic pattern of orange, yellow, and black on the upperwings. The underside of the hindwing has alternating pale yellow/cream and orange bands, often with a row of black dots within the orange bands.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with a distinctive mosaic pattern of orange, yellow, and black squares and bands on its upperwings. The underside of the hindwing features prominent pale bands alternating with orange.
