Valais, Switzerland, June 2010
Valais, Switzerland, April 2021
Field notes and information
This is a widespread and often encountered butterfly. It is usually very alert and difficult to approach for photographs.
Identification & Similar species: Its overall orange colouration recalls the fritillaries in flight. It doesn't hold its wings flat in flight though which can be used to separate it from them.
Similar to the large wall and northern wall browns L. maera & L. petropolitana with which it may fly. The current species has bold yellow-orange markings with dark brown ground colour that breaks up the bright patterning. The other species have reduced markings and a warmer orange colour. There are 2 cross-bars in the forewing upperside cell and an orange discal band on the upperside hindwing.
The current species is replaced on Corsica and Sardinia by the taxon paramegera which is now usually considered to be a separate species. It has more extensive orange markings.
Distribution & Flight: Very widespread from north Africa to England, southern Scandinavia and Greece. Flies throughout the warmer months of the year.
Habitat & Behaviour: Hot grassy places, often with bare ground or rocks which are favourite places to bask.
Bouches du Rhône, France, April 2004
Undersides - male on the right.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2017
Rhodes, Greece, May 2017
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Male with prominent sex brand.
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Female
Valais, Switzerland, June 2017
Valais, Switzerland, May 2013
Valais, Switzerland, April 2017
Rhodes, Greece October 2018
The only one I found on the island in October.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Valais, Switzerland, June 2010
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Courting. The sex brand is very clear in male in the foreground.
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Taking salts from sheep fur.
Valais, Switzerland, May 2015
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2015
Vaud, Switzerland, October 2010
Peloppenesos, Greece, July 2018
Bouches du Rhône, France, April 2004