Identifying features
A small to medium-sized notched-wing, with a wingspan of 32–38 mm. The darkest Nordic notched-wing: chocolate brown, with small, light spots that vary in colour from cream-white to ochre yellow.
Similar species
Similar to heath fritillary; typical specimens are already distinguishable by the fact that false heath fritillary has darker wing uppersides. For accurate determination, the underside of the hindwing must be studied carefully: heath fritillary hindwing undersides have lighter markings and the absence of black spots near the edge, in contrast to false heath fritillary.
Distribution
The species occurs north to Valldal in Møre og Romsdal (Norway), but it is local and rare, and is likely absent in large areas.
Biology
The larvae live in a peculiar way on valerian root (Valeriana).