Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino)

The Lesser Marbled Fritillary is a medium-sized, graceful butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae (the brush-footed butterflies). Although not as well-known as some of its larger fritillary relatives, it is admired for its delicate marbled wing pattern and its preference for moist, flowery meadows and forest edges.

🦋 Identification

• Wingspan: 38–48 mm
• Upperside:
  • Orange background with black spots and markings, typical of fritillaries
  • Compared to larger fritillaries, the pattern appears slightly more open and delicate
• Underside (hindwings):
  • Beautifully marbled with cream, yellow, and pinkish-purple blotches bordered with silver or pale bands
  • This marbling is key to identifying the species
• Males are slightly smaller and usually more intensely colored than females.

🌿 Habitat

• Prefers humid and semi-open habitats, including:
  • Wet meadows
  • Forest clearings and edges
  • Marshes
  • Riverbanks
• Often found in moist areas with abundant wildflowers, particularly near woodlands

🌱 Food Plants

Larval host plants:

• Specializes on Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
• Occasionally found on Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris) and related species

Adult nectar sources:

• Feeds on a variety of flowers, including:
  • Thistles
  • Knapweeds
  • Marjoram
  • Meadowsweet

🔁 Life Cycle

• One generation per year (univoltine)
• Flight period: June to August, depending on location and altitude
• Eggs: Laid singly on or near host plants
• Larvae:
  • Hatch in late summer, overwinter in diapause (suspended development)
  • Resume feeding in spring and pupate in early summer
• Chrysalis: Light brown with small projections, formed near the ground

🌍 Distribution

• Found across a wide range of Europe and into Asia, including:
  • Scandinavia
  • Baltic countries
  • Central Europe
  • Parts of Russia and Siberia
  • Occasionally reaches into northern Mediterranean mountains

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Not globally threatened
• In some areas, it may face local declines due to:
  • Wetland drainage
  • Agricultural intensification
  • Habitat fragmentation
• Conservation efforts focus on maintaining traditional hay meadows, wet grasslands, and forest edges.

🧬 Interesting Facts

• The marbled pattern of the underside is particularly striking when the butterfly is at rest with wings closed.
• Although generally not migratory, populations may move locally to find suitable wet habitats.
• Acts as a useful indicator species for healthy, flower-rich wetlands and meadows.

The Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) may not be as bold as some of its larger relatives, but its delicate patterning and association with unspoiled meadows make it a treasured sight for butterfly enthusiasts and a symbol of well-preserved wetland habitats.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

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