Bern, Switzerland, August 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2005
Field notes and information
A powerful butterfly often seen flying fast across open grasslands.
Identification & Similar species: Separated from similar species by extensive green underside hindwing markings, and post discal orange band devoid of any spots.
Closely similar species are the high brown, the niobe and, from north Africa, the Moroccan high brown fritillaries, A. adippe, A. aglaja & A. auresianna.
Distribution & Flight: All of Europe, limited to the Middle and High Atlas in Morocco.
Habitat & Behaviour: Open grassy and flowery places, damp or dry areas. Often takes salts from mud.
Variation: The form lyauteyi from Morocco is often considered a subspecies or a species in its own right.
Hautes Alpes, France, August 2012
Valais, Switzerland, June 2015
Valais, Switzerland, August 2019
Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2017
SW Serbia, June 2012
A. aglaja on the left and A. adippe sharing a drink in very hot weather.
Valais, Switzerland, August 2019
Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2017
SW Serbia, June 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2016
Valais, Switzerland, June 2015
Valais, Switzerland, July 2005
An unusually brown example.
Valais, Switzerland, August 2017
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2007
SE Serbia, June 2012
Taking salts from a sweaty finger.
Piedmont, Italy, June 2011