Euphydryas aurinia debilis
Alpine Marsh Fritillary
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![Photo: debilis15.jpg](../pics/d/debilis15.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, July 2012
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Valais, Switzerland, June 2007
Field notes and information
Often treated as a separate species, the alpine fritillary, E. glaciegenita or as a high altitude form, possibly a subspecies, of the marsh fritillary, E. aurinia debilis.
Identification & Similar species: The high altitude form is distinctive. Forms intermediate with E. aurinia aurinia are said to exist, although I've never found them despite living in the Alps for 10 years. I have found both taxa flying very close to each other at one place in Valais, Switzerland at 2000m. The damp grassy meadow had E. aurinia aurinia and just 500m away a dry flowery meadow had debilis/ glaciegenita.
Distribution & Flight: It flies at high altitudes in the Pyrenees and Alps. Single brooded from late June to August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flies fast and low over flowery or grassy meadows, with stones/ rocks or damp places.
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Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013
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Grisons, Switzerland, July 2019
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Grisons, Switzerland, July 2019
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2011
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Tessin, Switzerland, August 2013
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
![Photo: debilis4.jpg](../pics/d/debilis4.jpg)
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2008
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Valais, Switzerland, June 2007
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
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Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013