Dark Green Fritillary

• Latin name: Argynnis aglaja
• Family group: Fritillaries, Duke of Burgundy
• Countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
• Size: Medium, Large

Resident

Range declining in some areas.

This large and powerful butterfly is one of our most widespread fritillaries and can be seen flying rapidly in a range of open sunny habitats. The males look similar to the High Brown Fritillary, which is far rarer but sometimes flies with them on bracken-covered hillsides. The two can be distinguished from the underwing markings, visible when they are feeding on flowers such as thistles.

Although the Dark Green Fritillary is still locally abundant in some regions, it has declined in many others, notably central and eastern England.

Conservation status

• UK BAP status: not listed
• Butterfly Conservation priority: medium
• European threat status: not threatened

European/world range

Throughout Europe as far north as the Arctic Circle and eastwards across Asia to China and Japan. Range appears stable through much of Europe, but declines reported in at least eleven countries.

Foodplants

Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) is used in many habitats but Hairy Violet (V. hirta) is used on calcareous grasslands, and Marsh Violet (V. palustris) on moorland and wetter habitats in the north and west. Other violets may be used occasionally.

Habitat

The butterfly occurs in a range of flower-rich grasslands, often with patches of scrub, including: coastal grassland, dunes and scrub; chalk and limestone grassland; moorland and wet flushes; acid grassland with bracken; and occasionally woodland rides and clearings.