(Dalman, 1816)
Lapland Fritillary
Description:
At lower altitudes in Lapland, this lovely fritillary occurs on flower-rich swampy areas and wet slopes with scattered birches. Above 500 m, it is found in drier rocky places. Compared to the other fritillaries that occur in Lapland, the Lapland Fritillary is remarkably colourful. It is one of the first arctic species to be seen, appearing practically as soon as the snow has melted. It flies quickly, zigzagging low over the vegetation.
The female lays her eggs in small groups on plantains (Plantago spp.), Alpine Speedwell (Veronica alpina), Rock Speedwell (V. fruticans), and species of Vaccinium. The caterpillars live communally in small silken webs and hibernate there. They pupate in the spring.
It has one brood a year.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Heath and shrub
Raised bogs
Sclerophyllous scrub
Humid grasslands
Similar species:
Unmistakable