Male. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on June 1st 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f11)

Male underside. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on June 24th 2017. (© David Hastings)
(1/805th sec at f13)

Female. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on July 14th 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f14)

Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on July 26th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Mating pair. Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on July 1st 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Heliconiinae

Wing span: 59 - 69 mm

This large orange and black butterfly makes an impressive sight as it glides over scrubby downland or coastal dunes.

This species is widespread and common in most of Europe, including the British Isles. There are two subspecies - aglaja occurs through the range of the species, with the exception of Ireland, Scotland (although it is found in southern Scotland), and the Isle of Man. scotica is found in Ireland, Scotland (except southern Scotland), and the Isle of Man. The female of this form is darker than normal female.

Its habitat is open grassy, flowery slopes, clearings in light woodland, damp meadows and heaths. It is most frequent on calcareous soils.

Adults generally emerge in the middle of June, reaching a peak in early July. In northern Scotland, adults emerge a little later at the end of June, reaching a peak at the end of July/early August. There is one generation each year. The larva is the overwintering stage.

The primary larval foodplants are Common Dog-violet, Hairy Violet and Marsh Violet.

Adults frequent Thistles and Knapweeds.

Males make rapid gliding flights as they patrol in search of females or nectar sources. Females crawl among vegetation to lay their eggs.

Least Concern

Earliest UK sighting: 1st June ; Latest UK sighting: 17th August

Sightings