Berne, Switzerland, August 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
Field notes and information
A mountain species from a small part of the eastern Pyrenees, the Alps and 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 July and August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Open alpine meadows. Usually flowery, often associated with damp areas. Flies very low and fast.
Variation: Females often have a distinctive violet flush.
Tessin, Switzerland, August 2013
Purple sheen on the female.
N Sweden, July 2022
N Norway, July 2022
The end of Europe, the orange butterfly at the bottom right of the photo is the furthest north possible on mainland Europe at Nordkapp.
Valais, Switzerland, July 2019
Valais, Switzerland, July 2020
Valais, Switzerland, July 2019
Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
Tessin, Switzerland, August 2013
Grisons, Switzerland, July 2013
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2018
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006