| Family | Nymphalidae |
|---|---|
| Subfamily | Nymphalinae |
| Genus | Melitaea |
| Species | phoebe |
| Authority | ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) |
| English Name | Knapweed Fritillary |
| European Red List 2010 | Least Concern (LC) |
|---|---|
| EU 27 Red List 2010 | Least Concern (LC) |
| European Red List 2025 | Least Concern (LC) |
| EU 27 Red List 2025 | Least Concern (LC) |
| Habitats Directive | |
| Bern Convention | |
| CITES |
The Knapweed Fritillary occurs in dry, open places with flower-rich vegetation. These grasslands are often in a sheltered situation at the edge of woodland, or of groups of shrubs. In the north of its range, the grasslands are mostly calcareous. The larval foodplants are knapweeds (Centaurea spp.). The female lays her eggs in large batches on the undersides of the leaves. The small caterpillars live gregariously in a silken nest, also hibernating together. Later, they become solitary, and when ready to pupate, choose somewhere close to the ground. The Knapweed Fritillary usually has two broods, but at higher altitudes and in the north of its range only one.
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