High Brown Fritillary

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

Resident

Range declining.

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.

Conservation status

• UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species
• European threat status: not threatened
• Fully protected in Great Britain

European/world range

Occurs widely through Europe and across temperate Asia to Japan. Although locally abundant in Europe, it has declined in at least eight countries.

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).

Habitat

Two main habitats are used: bracken-dominated habitats or grass/bracken mosaics, and limestone rock outcrops, usually where scrub or woodland has recently been cleared or coppiced. Formerly the butterfly occurred in woodland clearings, probably where bracken was also present.