Marbled Fritillary
Key facts
- Latin name
- Brenthis ino
- Family
- Nymphalidae
- Wingspan
- 34-46 mm
- Flight season
- June — August
- Host plants
- Meadowsweet, Raspberry, Blackberry
- Conservation status
- LC
Appearance
The marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino) is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 34–46 mm. The upper side is orange with black speckling — a typical "fritillary" above.
The underside of the hindwings is the key mark: a complex pattern of yellowish, violet-purple, and pale spots with a pearly sheen. The pattern is unique and separates it from other small fritillaries.
Range and habitat
Found in Europe and Asia to Japan. In Russia in the European part and Siberia.
Strictly tied to wet habitats: flood meadows, stream banks, damp glades. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) must be present.
Life cycle
One generation per year. Flight June–August.
Eggs on meadowsweet. Caterpillar dark with pale side stripes. Young caterpillar overwinters. Pupa on the ground among plant debris.
Ecological indicator
The marbled fritillary indicates intact flood meadows. Draining floodplains and removing meadowsweet stands leads to local extinction. Its presence shows an ecologically valuable meadow site.