Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia)
about
The Glanville Fritillary butterfly is one of the UK’s rarest butterflies, it has slowly seen a decline in numbers since the it was first documented by lady Glanville in the seventeenth century, possibly bought about by loss of suitable habitat and changes in climate
where
Once found as far North as Lincolnshire the Glanville has receded south ward since this time where this Butterfly is now almost only be found in coastal areas in the most southern counties of Britain it may be seen on the wing in June to July.
Despite its decline in the North, butterfly numbers have stabilised where the Glanville can be found locally in coastal areas of Somerset and Hampshire, having a main strong hold on the Isle of White.
Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) resting on Birds-foot Trefoil
It is rumoured there are a number of undocumented sites where the butterfly can be found further inland in Surrey.
Glanville Fritillary (melitaea cinxia) resting with open wings
Butterfly Information
- Name: Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia)
- Family Group: Nymphalidae
- Size Between: 38-52mm
- Habitat: Sheltered Cliffs, South facing Meadows and Downs
- When to See: June-July
- Caterpillars feed on: Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
- Adult Nectar Plant: Common Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatas), Thrift
- Photographed: 26th June
- Location:
