Small pearl-bordered fritillary

The small pearl-bordered fritillary, known scientifically as Boloria selene, is a charming butterfly from the Nymphalidae family. In Europe, it goes by the small pearl-bordered fritillary, while in North America, it is referred to as the silver-bordered fritillary. This butterfly can be found fluttering across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, favoring wet grasslands where violets, its larval food source, thrive. Unfortunately, modern agricultural practices are encroaching upon these habitats, leading to a worrying decline in their population, especially in Europe. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, the struggle to protect this species continues.

In terms of appearance, the small pearl-bordered fritillary is distinctive with black chevrons along the wing edges, central black dots on each wing, and white "pearls" on the underside. Males and females can be differentiated by size, with males generally being smaller. These butterflies are found in central and northern Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. They inhabit a variety of environments, including grasslands, woodland clearings, moorlands, dune slacks, and coastal cliffs.

Their life cycle is fascinating. It begins with larvae that feed exclusively on violets. Following this stage, they pupate and transform into adults, ready to mate and lay eggs on or near violets. They don’t travel far, typically remaining close to their breeding grounds. Small birds and insects are their main predators. Genetic studies have shown that they face challenges such as inbreeding depression and local adaptations, complicating their survival prospects.

Conservation is crucial for Boloria selene. Habitat loss due to agriculture has severely impacted their numbers. Their vulnerability stems from their specialized diet, limited migration range, and difficulties in navigating fragmented habitats. Studies highlight significant population declines in agricultural areas, underscoring the urgent need for habitat protection and restoration to help this beautiful butterfly thrive.