This butterfly is one of Europe’s mountain-dwelling fritillaries, typically flying above 1500m. It is similar to several other species, particularly the Mountain Fritillary with which it occurs in the Alps and Pyrenees but very slight variation exists in the respective markings of each of these species, allowing for successful identification. I found 1 individual at around 1800m in the Pyrenees, but above 2000m in the Alps it was rather abundant.
Distribution: Scattered throughout the major mountains of Europe from Spain eastwards to the Balkans; Picos de Europa, Pyrenees, Alps, C Appenines, Tatras, E Carpathians, Pirin and Rila Mts, Mt Durmitor, Sar Pl, Pelister Mt.
Flight Period: June-September in 1 brood.
Habitat: Alpine and upland meadows, flowery rocky areas from 1200-2800m.
Foodplants: Viola calcarata.
Nectar Sources: A variety of upland flowers.
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- Shepherd’s Fritillary, Val di Cogne, Italy, July 2023
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- Shepherd’s Fritillary, Gavarnie, France, July 2019
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- Shepherd’s Fritillary, Gavarnie, France, July 2019
