Assmann's Fritillary (Melitaea britomatis)
Species

Male. Taken at Irinovac, Croatia, on June 6th 2017.
(1/160th sec at f14. © David Hastings)

Male underside. Taken at Irinovac, Croatia, on June 6th 2017.
(1/200th sec at f14. © David Hastings)

Description

Family: Heliconiinae

Wing span: 35-38mm

This butterfly is very similar to Nickerl's Fritillary. It has orange-brown upper surfaces, with bold and regular black markings. The sexes are similar.

It is mainly found in central and eastern Europe. It is regarded as near-threatened.

Its habitat is dry rocky meadows, flower-rich heaths, and woodland clearings and margins.

It has one or two broods per year between late May and early August.

The main larval foodplant is Plantago lanceola.

Sightings

07-Jun-2017 : Gracac, Croatia
06-Jun-2017 : Irinovac, Croatia