Introduction to Fritillary Butterflies
The Fritillary butterflies of the Nymphalidae sub family Heliconiinae are shown in the galleries below.
In the British Isles there are 8 species of resident Fritillary butterfly. Several of these species are in severe decline due predominately it seems to change in agricultural practices and loss of habitat.
Some Fritillary species are particularly strong fliers and have migratory tendencies. Such a species is The Queen Of Spain Fritillary which has been recorded in the south of England as a migrant from mainland Europe in small numbers and may attempt colonisation in the near future.
In Europe there are over 40 species of Fritillary butterfly, several of which are difficult to identify in the field. It would not be surprising if further studies split some sub species or forms into seperate species.
Queen of Spain Fritillary (Issoria lathonia)
The Queen of Spain Fritillary butterfly is a scarce migrant to the British Isles. The butterfly is a strong flyer and common in France as well as much of Europe so may colonise parts of southern England should the climate continue to warm.
The butterfly featured was recorded by Paul Browning in Teruel, Spain. More Fritillary butterflies are featured in the European Butterfly gallery.
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly species page has images and descriptions of the butterfly and its life cycle including caterpillar and pupa.
Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne)
High Brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe)
The High Brown Fritillary featured was photographed by Paul Browning in Spain. Images from the British Isles will be added shortly.
Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja)
The Dark Green Fritillary butterfly species page has images and descriptions of the butterfly and its life cycle including caterpillar and pupa.
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia)
The Marsh Fritillary butterfly species page has images and descriptions of the butterfly and its life cycle including caterpillar and pupa.
Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia)
Heath Fritillary (Melitaea athalia)
Links to Other British Butterfly Galleries:
- British Skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae)
- British Swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae)
- British White and yellow butterflies (Pieridae)
- British Hairstreak butterflies (Theclinae)
- British Copper butterflies (Lycaeninae)
- British Blue butterflies (Polyommatinae) and Metalmark butterflies (Riodinidae)
- British Vanessid butterflies (Nymphalinae) and Admiral butterflies (Limenitidinae) and Emperor butterflies (Apaturinae)
- British Fritillary butterflies (Heliconiinae) – this page
- British Brown butterflies (Satyrinae)