This widespread species is named after the plants on which its caterpillars feed. There are several forms found across Europe, with the dark form alternans found in the Alps and the more brightly-coloured occitanica found in Spain and Portugal for example. Like many fritillaries it glides gently above the meadow sward, stopping every so often to nectar on flowers such as Thyme or Marjoram. The Eastern Knapweed Fritillary is a cryptic species which has recently been reclassified and split from the current species; it occurs primarily in eastern Europe although its precise distribution is uncertain due to the similarity with the current species.

Distribution: Central and southern Europe as far north as France in the west and the Baltic states in the east. Absent from Mediterranean islands except Sicilly, Lesbos and Chios.

Flight Period: Mid April- late August in two broods.

Habitat: Dry meadows, field margins, open woodland clearings, light scrub at a variety of altitudes.

Foodplants: Various species of knapweed (Centaurea).

Nectar sources: Thymes (Thymus), Marjoram (Origanum majorana) knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium), scabiouses (Knautia), lavenders (Lavandula), umbelifers (Umbelliferae) etc.

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