Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)
Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)
Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)
Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)
Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)
Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)

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Lapland Fritillary (Euphydryas iduna)


Photo © Nils Ryrholm
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
GenusEuphydryas
Speciesiduna
Authority(Dalman, 1816)
English NameLapland Fritillary
European Red List 2010Near Threatened (NT)
EU 27 Red List 2010Near Threatened (NT)
European Red List 2025Endangered (EN)
EU 27 Red List 2025Endangered (EN)
Habitats Directive
Bern Convention
CITES

Description

At lower altitudes in Lapland, this lovely fritillary occurs on flower-rich swampy areas and wet slopes with scattered birches. Above 500 m, it is found in drier rocky places. Compared to the other fritillaries that occur in Lapland, the Lapland Fritillary is remarkably colourful. It is one of the first arctic species to be seen, appearing practically as soon as the snow has melted. It flies quickly, zigzagging low over the vegetation. The female lays her eggs in small groups on plantains (Plantago spp.), Alpine Speedwell (Veronica alpina), Rock Speedwell (V. fruticans), and species of Vaccinium. The caterpillars live communally in small silken webs and hibernate there. They pupate in the spring. It has one brood a year.

Distribution

Finland / Norway / European Russia / Sweden /

Larval Foodplants

#OrderFamilyGenusSpeciesVernacular NameLink
1LamialesOrobanchaceaeBartsiaalpinaAlpine Bartsia
2LamialesOrobanchaceaePedicularishirsuta