Great British Lepidoptera

Queen of Spain Fritillary

(Issoria Lathonia)

Identification: The uppersides on the wings of this butterfly are bright orange and when fresh, can have a metallic-green sheen with a dense pattern of black spots.

On the continent these butterflies can have a long flight period, spread over two or more broods from February to October in some years, depending on factors such as temperature. the butterfly has the ability to fly great distances and is sometimes blown over here in the UK.

Its habitats in which it frequents in parts of Europe include many flower-rich areas, from sea level to up to 2,500m.

Larval Foodplants:

The larvae of this butterfly feed on species of Viola but in particular those of the pansy family.