Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Heath Fritillary Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Melitaea athalia
Wingspan (mm):
Male 39-44mm, female 42-47mm Distribution
One of the smallest and darkest of our orange and brown fritillaries, but also one of the rarest. Restricted to woodland clearings at a few sites in Cornwall, Devon, Essex and Kent, and to sheltered valleys on Exmoor.
Habitat
The species uses sunny, warm, and sheltered habitats of two main types: coppiced or newly felled woodland on acid soils where Common Cow-wheat is abundant; and sheltered heathland valleys on Exmoor up to 200-400m above sea level, where Common Cow-wheat grows as scattered plants on mineral soils amongst vegetation dominated by Bilberry. On a few sites in south-west England, it also breeds on unimproved grassland with abundant Ribwort Plantain and/or Germander Speedwell growing in short or sparse conditions.
Diet
The main foodplants are Common Cow-wheat, Ribwort Plantain, Germander Speedwell, and occasionally other speedwells. Foxglove can be a secondary foodplant, especially on Exmoor.
Status
UK BAP status: Priority Species Butterfly Conservation prority: High European threat status: not threatened Fully protected in Great Britain
Did You Know?
It overwinters as a third instar larva
Male Image
