Scarce Fritillary
Common NameScarce Fritillary
Scientific NameEuphydryas maturna
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMelitaeinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest clearings, damp meadows, often near deciduous trees
Geographic RangeCentral and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsLonicera, Fraxinus excelsior, Plantago, Veronica
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesThis species is univoltine, producing one generation per year. Larvae overwinter gregariously in a silken web, resuming feeding in spring before pupating, with adults emerging in early summer.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent orange and black checkered pattern, particularly the distinct row of cream-white spots along the outer margin of the hindwings. It is generally robust compared to other fritillaries.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary butterfly with a distinctive checkered pattern of bright orange, black, and cream-white spots across its upperwings. The body is dark and somewhat hairy.
