Meyer-Dür, 1851
Grisons Fritillary
Description:
The Grisons Fritillary is a small fritillary that breeds on flower-rich sub-alpine and alpine grasslands and on sunny, grassy slopes. The adult butterflies visit mostly low plants for nectar, and the males are also seen on damp patches, excrement, and dead animals.
The female lays her eggs in clusters on the food plant. The caterpillars have been found on Alpine Plantain (Plantago alpina) and Achillea species, but Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) and Stemless Trumpet Gentian (G. acaulis) are also named as food plants. The caterpillars hibernate, pupating in June or July of the following year, the chrysalis usually hanging from a stone. However, at higher altitudes, development is slower, taking nearly two years, and they hibernate twice.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Similar species:
Melitaea parthenoides
Melitaea aurelia
Melitaea athalia
Melitaea britomartis