Southern Heath Fritillary
Common NameSouthern Heath Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea celadussa
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsorange, black, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, rocky slopes, alpine meadows
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Balkan Peninsula)
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae are black and spiny, often gregarious when young, overwinter as larvae, and pupate in spring.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinct black reticulated pattern on the pale cream underside of the hindwing, with specific arrangements of orange and black markings that differentiate it from similar *Melitaea* species.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with an orange-brown upperside heavily marked with black lines forming a reticulated pattern, and a paler cream underside with similar black outlines and rows of orange spots.
