![Photo: dia28.jpg](../pics/d/dia28.jpg)
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2019
![Photo: dia21.jpg](../pics/d/dia21.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, March 2012
Field notes and information
An often common and widespread species that flies throughout the warmer months of the year. It is particularly noticeable in early spring when it is one of the first butterflies to emerge.
Identification & Similar species: The underside is distinctively purplish with a contrasting discal band of pearly and yellow spots. The upperside has a post discal row of spots with are large relative to similar species.
Distribution & Flight: Northern Spain and across central Europe. Absent from the UK and Scandinavia. Multi-brooded, flying from April through the year to late autumn.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery meadows, usually amongst scrub or light woodland.
![Photo: dia22.jpg](../pics/d/dia22.jpg)
SE Serbia, June 2012
Many individuals in this area were brown rather than the more typical violet.
![Photo: dia33.jpg](../pics/d/dia33.jpg)
![Photo: dia35.jpg](../pics/d/dia35.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, June 2022
![Photo: dia32.jpg](../pics/d/dia32.jpg)
Digne les Bains, France, May 2022
![Photo: dia25.jpg](../pics/d/dia25.jpg)
NW Greece, July 2016
![Photo: dia34.jpg](../pics/d/dia34.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, June 2022
![Photo: dia24.jpg](../pics/d/dia24.jpg)
Vaud, Switzerland, August 2015
![Photo: dia27.jpg](../pics/d/dia27.jpg)
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2016
![Photo: dia20.jpg](../pics/d/dia20.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, March 2012
An unusual posture.
![Photo: dia30.jpg](../pics/d/dia30.jpg)
Vaud, Switzerland, June 2020
![Photo: dia31.jpg](../pics/d/dia31.jpg)
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2021
![Photo: dia19.jpg](../pics/d/dia19.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, March 2012
![Photo: dia23.jpg](../pics/d/dia23.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, August 2013
![Photo: dia13.jpg](../pics/d/dia13.jpg)
Vaud, Switzerland, March 2011
![Photo: dia29.jpg](../pics/d/dia29.jpg)
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2019
![Photo: dia17.jpg](../pics/d/dia17.jpg)
![Photo: dia16.jpg](../pics/d/dia16.jpg)
![Photo: dia15.jpg](../pics/d/dia15.jpg)
Vaud, Switzerland, March 2012
![Photo: dia8.jpg](../pics/d/dia8.jpg)
![Photo: dia7.jpg](../pics/d/dia7.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, May/ June 2009
![Photo: dia26.jpg](../pics/d/dia26.jpg)
NW Greece, July 2016