Paler ground
colour matches the rocks in this habitat.
Sardinia,
Italy, May 2003
ssp. paramegera
Sardinia,
Italy, May 2003
ssp. paramegera
This is a widespread and often encountered
butterfly although it never seems particularly common. It is often one
of the earliest species to emerge in spring when it sits in the sunshine
absorbing heat from the sun and the rocks. It is usually very alert and
hence difficult to approach for photographs.
Its overall orange colouration recalls the Fritillaries in flight. It
doesn't hold its wings flat in flight though which can be used to
separated it from them when necessary. It is absent from northern UK and
northern Scandinavia.