DSC2395 High Brown....
High Brown Fritillary - Argynnis adippe
A pristine specimen!
This large, powerful butterfly is usually seen flying swiftly over the tops of bracken or low vegetation in woodland clearings. In flight, the males are almost impossible to separate from those of the Dark Green Fritillary, which often share the same habitats. However, both species frequently visit flowers such as thistles and Bramble where it is possible to see their distinctive underside wing markings. The Dark Green lacks the orange ringed 'pearls' on the underside of the hindwing.
The High Brown Fritillary was once widespread in England and Wales but since the 1950s has undergone a dramatic decline. It is now reduced to around 50 sites where conservationists are working to save it from extinction.
Size and Family
Family: Fritillaries
Size: Large
Wing Span Range (male to female): 60-67mm
Conservation status
Section 41 species of principal importance under the NERC Act in England
Section 42 species of principal importance under the NERC Act in Wales
UK BAP: Priority Species
Butterfly Conservation priority: High
European status: Not threatened
Fully protected in Great Britain under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act
Caterpillar Foodplants
Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) is used in all habitats, but Hairy Violet (V. hirta) is also used in limestone areas. It may occasionally use Heath Dog-violet (V. canina) and Pale Dog-violet (V. lactea).
DSC2395 High Brown....
High Brown Fritillary - Argynnis adippe
A pristine specimen!
This large, powerful butterfly is usually seen flying swiftly over the tops of bracken or low vegetation in woodland clearings. In flight, the males are almost impossible to separate from those of the Dark Green Fritillary, which often share the same habitats. However, both species frequently visit flowers such as thistles and Bramble where it is possible to see their distinctive underside wing markings. The Dark Green lacks the orange ringed 'pearls' on the underside of the hindwing.
The High Brown Fritillary was once widespread in England and Wales but since the 1950s has undergone a dramatic decline. It is now reduced to around 50 sites where conservationists are working to save it from extinction.
Size and Family
Family: Fritillaries
Size: Large
Wing Span Range (male to female): 60-67mm
Conservation status
Section 41 species of principal importance under the NERC Act in England
Section 42 species of principal importance under the NERC Act in Wales
UK BAP: Priority Species
Butterfly Conservation priority: High
European status: Not threatened
Fully protected in Great Britain under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act
Caterpillar Foodplants
Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) is used in all habitats, but Hairy Violet (V. hirta) is also used in limestone areas. It may occasionally use Heath Dog-violet (V. canina) and Pale Dog-violet (V. lactea).