Dark Green
Fritillary
Argynnis aglaja
| Home | <The Butterflies of Gloucestershire | Species | Habitats | Conservation |
Dark GreenFritillaryArgynnis aglaja |
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| Female, 10 July 1976 | 8 June 1984 (on Welsh coast) |
Habitat
The Dark Green Fritillary is seen mainly on extensive unimproved
grassland, where it usually lays its eggs on Hairy Violet
Viola hirta. It can use some other violet species,
and open woodland habitat with grassy areas can support
small populations.
In the spring the larvae can sometimes be seen at rest in direct sunlight, gaining warmth to assist their development.
The butterfly is occasionally found on smaller grasslands and in other places, including gardens. The species is a strong flier.
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Conservation Issues
Any loss of the remaining unimproved grassland habitat is a threat to
colonies of this species. Heavy levels of grazing in the summer
reduce a site's suitability, and total lack of annual grazing
leads to a gradual loss of habitat.
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Flight PeriodUsually from late June to mid or late August.
DistributionThere are colonies on most of the larger areas of grassland throughout the Cotswolds, but with some reduction in range in recent years. Also in a few other places, with low numbers in the Forest of Dean area.
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