Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia- Doncella de ondas rojas

Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia – Doncella de ondas rojas

  • Family: Nymphalidae
  • Scientific name: Euphydryas aurinia
  • English common name: Marsh Fritillary
  • Spanish common name: Doncella de ondas rojas
Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia- Doncella de ondas rojas
Marsh Fritillary side view

There are several colour variationsof Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia – Doncella de ondas rojas depending on the locality.

The main colours on the upper wings are a mosaic of reddish-orange, buff-yellow with varying amounts of brown. There are black spots inside orange marks to the rear of the upper hind wings. The under wings are the same combination but of softer shades.

Although the name suggests that it may be restricted to wet areas this is not the case as it can be seen on dry slops too, generally in grassy areas. It will rest with wings open which aids close viewing.

Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia- Doncella de ondas rojas
Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia – Doncella de ondas rojas – Mating

The caterpillars of this species grow up to 3cm. They are black with black spines and may have tiny white speckles. They will create a communal nest on foliage near to the food plant.

  • Wing size: 30-46mm
  • Altitude: Sea level to 2200m
  • Flight time: April-July
  • Over-wintering: Caterpillar
  • Caterpillar food plant: Plantain, Scabious, Veronica
  • Distribution: Iberian peninsular and most of Europe
  • Similar species: Spanish Fritillary (Euphydryas desfontainii)
Marsh Fritillary - Euphydryas aurinia- Doncella de ondas rojas
Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia – Doncella de ondas rojas

Butterflies of Iberia. These are included in the list of butterflies in Andalusia. Images taken in Andalucia, Southern Spain


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