Ireland’s and possibly Europe’s most widespread Fritillary, occurring in various habitats across the continent. In Ireland it can be confused with the Silver-washed Fritillary, but has more rounded wings and a spotted rather than striped underwing. In Europe it can be confused with the High Brown and Niobe Fritillaries, but it has a greener underside and lacks the additional row of dark spots or ocelli. Both sexes are fond of nectar but are strong fliers and can move very quickly across expansive windswept habitats, such as dune sites in Donegal on Ireland’s northwest coast where I have observed them in their hundreds on sunny days.
Distribution: Most of Europe except a few smaller Mediterranean islands and N Fennoscandia.
Flight Period: June-August in 1 brood.
Habitat: Coastal dunes, scrub, woodland clearings, meadows, heaths at a wide range of altitudes. In Ireland, this species is particularly associated with coastal dunes, calcareous grassland and dry heath.
Foodplants: Various species of Violet, such as Dog Violet (Viola riviniana), Hairy Violet (Viola hirta) and Marsh Violet (Viola palustris) .
Nectar Sources: Brambles (Rubus), thistles (Cirsium), knapweeds (Centaurea), scabiouses (Succisa, Knautia) and other nectar-rich flowers. Also mudpluddles, particularly at altitude.
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- Dark Green Fritillary, W Donegal, Ireland, July 2015
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- Dark Green Fritillary, Dunfanaghy, Ireland, July 2022
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- Dark Green Fritillary, Dunfanaghy, Ireland, July 2022
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- Dark Green Fritillary, W Donegal, Ireland, July 2015
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- Dark Green Fritillaries, Sheskinmore, Ireland, July 2015
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- Dark Green Fritillary, Sheskinmore, Ireland, July 2015
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- Dog Violet, Viola riviniana, one of the larval foodplants.
