Marsh Fritillary

Special features: The Marsh fritillary population has declined in the U.K. due to loss of habitat. They are slow flyers and breed in the same areas each year. As their meadow homes were drained, or ploughed up, many colonies disappeared.

The caterpillars are black with short black spiny hairs. They feed inside a protective web.

Latin name: Euphydryas aurinia

Size: Wingspan approximately 45mms.

Distribution: Found throughout N. Ireland and in the west of Scotland, Wales and England

Months seen: May to July

Food: Nectar. The caterpillars feed on Devil's bit scabious and plantain.

Habitat: Meadows and moors