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Heath Fritillary;

Melitaea athalia

Description:

Butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. Wing-span of 39–47 mm. The upperside is predominantly dark brown and orange-brown, with the orange-brown spots delineated by dark brown (along and across the wing-veins); there is a white fringe to the wings through which the dark brown extends. The upperside of the body is a similar dark brown to the colour on the wing, and the base of both wings is dark brown. The underside shows bands of red and (off-)white, again with each vein dark brown and each colour delineated by dark brown. The pattern of white spots at the base of the hindwing (visible at rest) is diagnostic for identification.

Habitat:

Heath Fritillary occupies a diversity of grassy, flowery habitats—dry or damp, upland or lowland, with or without shrubs or trees, including woodland clearings and heathland. Spotted in an alpine meadow. Parque Nacional de Sierra de Guadarrama

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/800 sec.; f/14; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired

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3 Comments

arlanda
arlanda 9 years ago

Finally identified as Melitaea athalia

arlanda
arlanda 9 years ago

Thanks António!

Beautiful capture Arlanda,congrats and thanks for sharing

arlanda
Spotted by
arlanda

Comunidad de Madrid, Spain

Spotted on Jul 23, 2014
Submitted on Oct 24, 2014

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Scarce Copper; Manto de Oro Scarce Copper; Manto de Oro Coppers Iberian Wall Lizard; Lagartija Ibérica

Reference

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