Brush-footed butterflies · Sweden

Small pearl-bordered fritillary

Boloria selene

A yellow-red fritillary with black-edged silver-white spots on the hindwing underside. It is common throughout Sweden, but less numerous in the mountains. The larvae feed on violets, in Sweden probably mainly marsh violet.

Status in this countryCommon in SwedenLC (Least concern)

Flight period

Appears approximately two weeks later than Pearl-bordered Fritillary: from mid-June in central Sweden and from the beginning of July in the mountains; in southern Sweden, a partial second generation appears in August.

Habitat

Moist, sun-exposed locations in forested areas and more open landscapes, such as meadows, bog meadows, clearcuts, and power line corridors.

Identifying features

Wingspan 34–44 millimetres. On top are the wings yellow-red with fine black markings; the underside of the hindwing has clearly black-edged silver-white to yellowish-white spots and black wing veins. The sharply triangular silver-white edging spots distinguish it from Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Similar species

No similar species are described in the sources consulted.

Distribution

It is commonly found throughout Sweden, but is more sparsely distributed in the mountain regions.

Biology

The larvae feed on violets, probably mainly marsh violet in Sweden. The butterflies visit flowers frequently.