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Valais, Switzerland, April 2011
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2010
Field notes and information
A magnificent butterfly. Fresh specimens fly in the summer with royal maroon uppersides and creamy yellow borders - unmistakable. It is usually found only in ones or twos and sightings are often brief.
Identification & Similar species: Unmistakable.
Distribution & Flight: North Spain and most of Europe. Migrates to southeast UK and much of Scandinavia. Hibernated butterflies fly in April/ May, the single brood emerges in June to August before entering hibernation.
Habitat & Behaviour: Often streamside situations where the larval food plants willow, Salix, grow. Otherwise open woodland and forests. As a powerful migratory species, also found well away from breeding habitats including well above the treeline at alpine levels in the summer.
Variation: Spring butterflies lose the yellowness in the upperside borders.
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Rila Mountains, Bulgaria, July 2004
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2011
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2011
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Asturias Mts, Spain, July 2011
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Berne, Switzerland, July 2009
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2010
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2009
Dog fighting for territory.
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Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2010
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2010
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Valais, Switzerland, April 2017