Spanish Fritillary
Common NameSpanish Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea aurius
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, open scrubland, rocky slopes, forest clearings
Geographic RangeIberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal), parts of France, Italy, North Africa
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Digitalis purpurea
Flight PeriodApril to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious, feeding on host plants and overwintering in a silken web before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsIdentify by the distinctive orange and black checkered pattern, especially the row of black dots within the orange submarginal band on the upperside. The underside also features a characteristic pattern of orange, white, and black bands.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its striking orange and black checkered pattern across the upperside of its wings, with a hairy, dark brown body.
