It's difficult to tell this butterfly from the Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary the best distinguishing features of which are on the under-wing. The butterfly experts say that at this site the Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary flies a bit later but the flight periods do overlap. This butterfly is not uncommon at Gaitbarrows where the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, High Brown Fritillary and the elusive Duke of Burgundy Fritillary also fly. The larval food plant is mostly Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet) which is plentiful here.

Gaitbarrows, Lancashire 1st June 2009

Added on 20th Oct 04, Amended 10th Dec 04, updated 26th Jun 08, updated 2nd Jun 09, updated 7th June 2010