Vaud, Switzerland, July 2021
N Norway, July 2022
Field notes and information
A species of bogs in hilly areas from the northern Alps to Scandinavia and eastwards. Isolated colonies in France. It is an apparently localised butterfly in central Europe and the Alps (at least in my experience) but can be very common where it flies. It flies more commonly in suitable habitats across Scandinavia
Identification & Similar species: One of a group of 4 very similar species. Differences as follows:
Shepherd's fritillary, pales: northwest Spain, Pyrenees, Alps, east Europe, Balkans. Underside forewing lacking black spots. Broad upperside forewing lines. Relatively small.
Mountain fritillary, napaea: Pyrenees, Alps, Scandinavia. Underside forewing lacking black spots. Fine upperside forewing lines. Relatively large. Females often with dark dusky purple sheen.
Cranberry fritillary, aquilonaris: northern Alps to Scandinavia and eastwards. Underside forewing with black spots.
Balkan fritillary, graeca: southern Alps (France), Balkans. Underside forewing with black spots.
Flight: Single brooded in June and July.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery bogs in hilly areas. Flies low and unhurredly from flower to flower above the bog.
N Norway, July 2022
Vaud, Switzerland, July 2012
N Norway, July 2022
N Norway, July 2022
N Norway, July 2022
N Norway, July 2022
N Norway, July 2022
N Norway, July 2022
Vaud, Switzerland, July 2019
Vaud, Switzerland, July 2012
Vaud, Switzerland, July 2020