Nickerl's fritillary
Common NameNickerl's fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea aurelia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, steppe habitats, forest clearings, and open meadows, often on calcareous soils.
Geographic RangeCentral and Eastern Europe, extending eastwards through Russia to the Altai Mountains.
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Veronica spicata
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae are gregarious in early instars, feeding on leaves, and overwinter as larvae before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its relatively small size, the distinct black reticulation on the upperside, and the specific pattern of cream and orange bands on the hindwing underside, often lacking a central white band seen in similar species.
Description
A small to medium-sized fritillary with a striking pattern of bright orange-yellow spots and bands outlined by a dark brown or black reticulation on the upperside of its wings.
