PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARY |
BOLORIA EUPHROSYNE |
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| Fig 1 | Fig 2 |
ADULT: Wingspan - 38 - 46mm (male); 43 - 47mm (female). The
rich orange upper surfaces with variable black markings are common of
the Fritillaries as is the row of post discal arc spots. It is the
undersurface of the hindwings that make identification easy with the
seven silvery white spots (pearls) on the outer edge, the large oblong
silvery spot in the centre and the small one close to the basal area
being quite distinct. The orange and yellow background
really enhance these spots and make this butterfly a real stunner.
The underside of the forewing has various black markings on a
washed out yellowy-orange that pales towards the tip. CHRYSALIS: 14mm. Grey brown and similar to a dead leaf which
hangs to or near the foodplant, namely violets. LARVA: 20 - 25mm. Straw coloured becoming black and with
concolorous or yellow spines. Has a row of white spots along each
flank. Located in thick undergrowth. EGG: Creamy-yellow, conical, finely ridged located on various
violets. Hatching time within 14 days. BEHAVIOUR: A combination of brief flaps and glides aid the males to
patrol their territories. Females are more elusive. HABITAT: Open woodland, lower hillside slopes, glades and grassy
clearings. FLIGHT PERIOD: May - mid June. |