Photo © Steve Lyn
Spotted Fritillary
Melitaea didyma
Checklist Number59.035 [B&F: 1611]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Subfamily: | Nymphalinae |
| Genus: | Melitaea |
| Species: | didyma |
| Authority: | (Esper, 1777) |
Common in flower meadows, roadside verges, grassy slopes and hillsides; 0-2300 m throughout much of mainland Europe. In Britain, apart from one old record from Scotland, several of unknown origin were seen on one site in Essex in 1986. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 30-44 mm. Larva feeds on Greater Plantain, Ribwort Plantain, Common Toadflax and Purple Toadflax.