Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Dark Green Fritillary Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Argynnis aglaja
Wingspan (mm):
58-68mm Description
The Dark Green Fritillary is a fast-flying butterfly which can be seen skimming and soaring between flowers, thistles being one of it's favourites. It has a green background on the underside of its hindwings which is what gives the butterfly it's name.
Distribution
Although the Dark Green Fritillary is still locally abundant in some regions, it has declined in many others, notably central and eastern England.
Habitat
The butterfly occurs in a range of flower-rich grasslands, often with patches of scrub, including: coastal grassland, dunes and scrub; chalk and limestone grassland; moorland and wet flushes; acid grassland with bracken; and occasionally woodland rides and clearings.
Diet
Common Dog-violet is used in many habitats but Hairy Violet is used on calcareous grasslands, and Marsh Violet on moorland and wetter habitats in the north and west. Other violets may be used occasionally.
Status
UK BAP status: not listed Butterfly Conservation priority: medium European threat status: not threatened
Did You Know?
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