Pearl-bordered fritillary

The pearl-bordered fritillary is a striking butterfly from the Nymphalidae family, found across Europe and extending through Russia to northern Kazakhstan. This butterfly boasts vibrant orange wings adorned with black spots and has a wingspan ranging from 38 to 46 mm. The name "pearl-bordered" derives from the silver-pearly markings along the edges of its wings. Females typically exhibit darker markings and rounder wings than males. Its caterpillars are black with white or yellow spines along their backs.

Often confused with the small pearl-bordered fritillary, this species can be distinguished by unique features such as the triangular shapes along its pearl border and a single silver spot amidst a row of yellow spots. Male pearl-bordered fritillaries possess specialized scent glands on their wings to aid females in identifying them for mating.

This butterfly is prevalent throughout Europe, from Scandinavia down to northern Spain, and from Ireland eastward to Russia and northern Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, in areas such as England and Wales, as well as ten other countries, the pearl-bordered fritillary is rapidly declining and is considered highly threatened.

There are several subspecies of the pearl-bordered fritillary, each native to different parts of Europe and Siberia. Their lifecycle includes laying eggs on specific plants, hatching, feeding, hibernating, pupating, and finally emerging as adults. The adults feed on nectar from early spring flowers and often produce a second brood in August.

These butterflies thrive in habitats such as woodland clearings, well-drained grassy areas, and locations with abundant food plants and dead plant material. Conservation efforts for this species involve creating and maintaining suitable habitats through methods like grazing, cutting, burning, and vegetation management.

You can find the pearl-bordered fritillary in locations such as Stansted Park in West Sussex, Haldon Forest in Devon, Lambert’s Castle Hill in Dorset, and Hard Hills in Cornwall, among others.