Queen of Spain Fritillary - Issoria lathonia

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Switzerland, March 2007

Switzerland, March 2007

Switzerland, March 2007

Switzerland, February 2007

Switzerland, February 2007

Switzerland, March 2006

Switzerland, June 2005

Switzerland, June 2005

Switzerland, 2004

Switzerland, March 2005

Hungary, July 1994

The Queen of Spain fritillary is a butterfly of hot, dusty paths and sandy wasteland pretty much throughout Europe. It is a rarity in England but seen every year and sometimes in reasonable numbers. In 1997 at least 28 were seen in Suffolk alone and it cannot be ruled out that it sometimes breeds in the UK and establishes itself for a few years until a harsh winter eliminates it.

Here in Switzerland it is a very common butterfly and one of the earliest to appear in the spring. In 2005 I saw my first on 15th March and in 2006 on 19th March. In theory, these would be insects that hibernated as pupae but it is just possible they spent the winter as adults - it is certainly very soon after the thaw for them to have completed their metamorphosis.

There is not difficulty in identifying the species. The upperside is very spotty, the wing shape characteristic and the underside, with its huge silver blobs unmistakeable. However, it is often very small - as small as a violet fritillary or small pearl-bordered fritillary - and this might cause confusion when it is not seen closely.