Var, France, July 2009
Valais, Switzerland, August 2019
Field notes and information
A large species of fritillary, frequenting flowery woodland clearings in high summer.
Identification & Similar species: The pale green underside has a distinctive silvery reflection. Similar to the cardinal A. pandora but lacks the intense pink underside forewing and the grey-green upperside shading.
Distribution & Flight: Northern half of Spain to the UK (sporadic) and eastwards across all Europe except northern Scandinavia. Single brooded flying from June to September, more usually July and August.
Habitat & Behaviour: It flies in mature woodlands stopping regularly at nectar sources, particularly bramble and purple flowers such as thistles and knapweeds.
Variation: The form valezina is regionally variable in abundance. It affects only females in which the upperside orange is replaced by a dusky grey-green.
SE Serbia, June 2012
Corsica, France, July 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
Valais, Switzerland, July 2022
Vaud, Switzerland, June 2022
Valais, Switzerland, August 2019
SW Serbia, June 2012
Var, France, August 2004
Female form valezina.
Vaud, Switzerland, June 2011
Var, France, July 2009
Including the dark female form valezina
Corsica, France, July 2012
Female form valezina.
Var, France, July 2009
Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2017
Splash of colour!