Butterfly ID
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Field guide · Denmark
Brush-footed butterflies · Denmark

Dark green fritillary

Speyeria aglaja

The dark green fritillary is relatively rare in Denmark. Its wingspan is typically 48-60 mm (male-female). It flies from late June to late August. It usually inhabits unfertilised grasslands, dry woodland meadows and heathland, preferably with abundant flowers.

Status in this countryRelatively rare in DenmarkNT (Near threatened)
Dark green fritillary

Flight period

The flight period is from the end of June to the end of August. The larval period (overwintering) is from September to June.

Habitat

Dark green fritillary typically occurs in unfertilised grassland, dry woodland meadows and heathland, preferably with abundant flowers.

Identifying features

The wingspan is typically 48-60 mm (male-female). The dark green fritillary is one of the larger fritillaries.

Similar species

Dark green fritillary can be very easily confused with High brown fritillary and Niobe fritillary. Dark green fritillary, however, is easily identified by the absence of eyespots in the outer field on the underside of the hindwing (which are present on High brown fritillary and Niobe fritillary).

Distribution

In Zealand, it is widespread in isolated locations along a narrow coastline from Gilleleje to Kalundborg. On Lolland-Falster, it is found only in a few places on Lolland and in the area around Bøtø Diget in East-Falster.

Biology

Dark green fritillary is a good flyer, with powerful wingbeats, and a distinct soaring flight. It can often be seen far beyond its usual locations.