Description
the swooping flight of this large and graceful butterfly is one of the most beautiful sights to be found in woodland during high summer. a large fast flying butterfly, separated from other fritillaries by its pointed wings and silver streaks on the undersides which can be viewed as it stops to feed on flowers such as bramble. although the butterfly is seen mostly in sunny glades and rides, it actually breeds in the shadier parts of adjacent woodland. in southern england, a small proportion of females have wings that are bronze-green, known as the form valezina. the silver-washed fritillary declined during the twentieth century, especially in england and wales, but has spread noticeably during recent decades. widespread across southern england and wales and more locally in northern england and ireland.
Habitat
Broadleaved woodland, especially oak woodland or woodlands with sunny rides and glades. It occasionally uses mixed broadleaved and conifer plantations. In parts of south-west England and Ireland wooded hedgerows and sheltered lanes next to woods are used.
Countries
Countries: England, Ireland and Wales
Wing span range
0mm
