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| All contents and photographs copyright Matt Rowlings, ©2003-2008. |
| Photos: explicit permission must be obtained from Matt Rowlings for any use of any images from eurobutterflies.com. |
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Mellicta:
athalia, aurelia, britomartis, deione
Melitaea:
diamina
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As encouraged by Lafranchis, "Butterflies of Europe" 2004 I took the opportunity during the 2006 season to start looking at the genitalia of this very difficult group. The male butterfly is held gently and the abdomen squeezed lightly to reveal the genitalia. The idea is the butterfly isn't harmed by this procedure - this certainly seems to be the case as released butterflies resume flight and feeding as if nothing had happened. The (or at least a) key feature is the shape of the protrusion and any hooks it may have.
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Mellicta athalia, Heath Fritillary |
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Valais, Switzerland, June 2006 The butterfly is held gently between thumb and forefinger. |
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Valais, Switzerland, June 2006 |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
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Valais, Switzerland, June 2006 |
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M. aurelia, Nickerl's Fritillary |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
M. britomartis, Assmann's Fritillary |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
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Cluj, Romania, June 2006 |
M. diamina, False Heath Fritillary |
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Valais, Switzerland, June 2006 |
M. varia, Grison's Fritillary |
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Valais, Switzerland, July 2006 |
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