Heath Fritillary Butterflies

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Scientific name:  Melitaea athalia

Size:  Wingspan up to 47mm

Distribution:  Rare.  Isolated colonies in Kent, Devon and Cornwall

Months seen:  June to August

Life span:  Adult butterflies live for up to ten days

Habitat:  Coppiced woodland, grassland and sheltered valleys

Food:  Nectar.  The caterpillars eat cow-wheat, foxgloves, plantains and germander speedwell

Special features:  The Heath Fritillary is one of the most endangered butterflies in the UK.  Their flight is weak and fluttery, and their range is small, so they usually remain in one place.&nbnsp; Consequently when their habitat disappears so does the colony.

Heath Fritillaries have orange and black chequered wings.  They can be distinguished from other fritillary species because they have no spots or pearly markings.

The larvae are black with tiny white spots.  Each body segment has a band of pale orange coloured spikes.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Butterfly Section
• UK Safari Caterpillar Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?