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Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2007
Field notes and information
A mountain species from north Spain and across central Europe.
Identification & Similar species: One of a group of 4 very similar species. Differences as follows:
Shepherd's fritillary, B. pales: northwest Spain, Pyrenees, Alps, east Europe, Balkans. Underside forewing lacking black spots. Broad upperside forewing lines. Relatively small.
Mountain fritillary, B. napaea: Pyrenees, Alps, Scandinavia. Underside forewing lacking black spots. Fine upperside forewing lines. Relatively large. Females often with dark dusky purple sheen.
Cranberry fritillary, B. aquilonaris: northern Alps to Scandinavia and eastwards. Underside forewing with black spots. Not confined to mountains.
Balkan fritillary, B. 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.
![Photo: pales6.jpg](../pics/p/pales6.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
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Bern, Switzerland, August 2019
![Photo: pales33.jpg](../pics/p/pales33.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, July 2020
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021
![Photo: pales1.jpg](../pics/p/pales1.jpg)
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
![Photo: pales23.jpg](../pics/p/pales23.jpg)
Valais, Switzerland, July 2019
![Photo: pales26.jpg](../pics/p/pales26.jpg)
Bern, Switzerland, August 2019
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Grisons, Switzerland, July 2019
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Grisons, Switzerland, July 2019
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2011
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Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2018
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Grisons, Switzerland, July 2013