Subspecies titania from C/S Switzerland and eastwards. The
underside is relatively light and bright.
Piedmont,
Italy, July 2004
Subspecies cypris from W Switzerland and westwards. The underside
is relatively dark and red.
Feeding with Pearl-bordered Fritillary, C. euphrosyne
Piedmont,
Italy, July 2004
Valais,
Switzerland, July 2004
Isère,
France, July 2006
Piedmont,
Italy, June 2003
Vaud,
Switzerland, June 2003
A melanic
variation.
This is a lovely butterfly found flying in lush
meadows amongst trees in the Alps, a few other mountain ranges further
east and lower levels of Finland. It loves taking nectar from thistles
when it can be readily approached. The underside is an exquisite mosaic
of soft pinks, reds and purples that make it quite unmistakable.