(Linnaeus, 1758)
Niobe Fritillary
Description:
The Niobe Fritillary occurs on poor, dry grassland, often with woodland or scrub nearby.
The eggs are laid on the woody stock of violets (Viola spp.). The caterpillar develops quickly within the egg, but does not hatch until after hibernation. Staying hidden during the day, it feeds on the violet plants at night. It pupates low down in the vegetation.
The Niobe Fritillary has one generation a year.
The form eris, with no silver spots on the underside of its hind wings, occurs at very high altitudes.
Habitat:
Dry siliceous grasslands
Coastal sand-dunes
Mixed woodland
Heath and shrub
Mesophile grasslands
Deciduous forests
Similar species:
Argynnis aglaja
Argynnis adippe