Photo © Nick Montegriffo

Heath Fritillary

Melitaea athalia

Checklist Number
59.036 [B&F: 1613]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Nymphalidae
Subfamily:Nymphalinae
Genus:Melitaea
Species:athalia
Authority:(Rottemburg, 1775)

An endangered Red Data Book species, protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act, and a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, in woodland clearings and flower meadows; 50-150 m (0-2600 m in Europe) in parts of Cornwall, Devon and Kent; mainland Europe and Fennoscandia. Not recorded in recent years in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 40-44 mm. Larva feeds on Common Cow-wheat, Ribwort Plantain, Germander Speedwell and Foxglove.