Home | The Butterflies of Gloucestershire | Species | Habitats | Conservation |
Small Pearl-bordered FritillaryClossiana (Boloria) selene |
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Female, 16 July 1978 | 11 June 1978 (in Scotland) |
It is often seen along wide forestry tracks, and in young plantations for the first few years before trees and shrubby undergrowth have shaded out most of the violets.
To distinguish between uppersides of the two pearl-bordered species, compare the placement of the black dot between the inner and outer black markings in the trailing corner of the forewing. It is centred between them for the Pearl-bordered (in the upper photograph), and distinctly offset towards the outer marking on the Small Pearl-bordered in the lower photograph. |
Occasional Cotswold sightings suggest that like several other species, the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is sometimes reared and released by enthusiasts.
The flight period overlaps with that of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
and with their similar size and upperside markings there is scope for
misidentification of one for the other.
Flight Period
Usually from late May or early June to the end of June. Like the
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, flight periods can be much affected by the
weather.
Distribution
In suitable habitat throughout most of the Forest of Dean.
No map - species found in less than 20 tetrads