Melitaea aurelia ¦ Nickerl's Fritillary ¦ euroButterflies

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Melitaea aurelia

Nickerl's Fritillary

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Valais, Switzerland, June 2013

Valais, Switzerland, June 2013

Field notes and information

A rather dusky species, found locally in flowery meadows where it flutters and glides slowly. It is extremely similar to the Assmann's fritillary britomartis from which I don't think it can be separated reliably from wing markings alone.

Identification & Similar species: Separation from some similar species can be very difficult and even impossible for many individuals. However study of genetalia on living male butterflies is possible and gives definitive results. See the

Heath fritillary, M. athalia for features that may help separate this and other similar species.

Distribution & Flight: Much of central and eastern France and eastwards. Absent from large parts of this range. Single brooded flying May/ July depending on locaction.

Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery meadows at low to middle altitudes usually in forested hilly country. Also damp places and heaths, particularly further east in its range.