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Pearl-bordered fritillary
 The pearl-bordered fritillary is a Priority Species in Britain. Changes in woodland management in recent years have led to the decline of this once common species. It is now most common in Scotland and southern England.
Name
Pearl-bordered fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne)
Lifestyle
Habitat
Pearl-bordered fritillaries live in woodland clearings where trees have recently been cut down or coppiced, and where there are areas of grass, bracken and open scrub. They live in small populations, but these populations are linked and butterflies often fly between different colonies that are sharing a suitable habitat. The pearl-bordered fritillary depends on a mosaic of open areas for movement between colonies and for food.
Breeding
Individual eggs are laid in the autumn on dead bracken or leaf litter near to grassy areas where violets are growing.
Development
The eggs develop over the winter and the caterpillars hatch in the spring. The adult butterfly flies between late April and July.
Diet
Both caterpillars and adult butterflies feed on common dog-violet and sometimes heath dog violet and marsh violet.
Threats
Changes in woodland management over recent years have led to the decline of the species. Woodland practices such as coppicing and thinning are in decline, and many areas have been planted with conifers. Woodland rides and clearings have become increasingly shady and overgrown. Bracken habitats are no longer managed through grazing.
Identification
The pearl-bordered fritillary is most easily confused with the small pearl-bordered fritillary. It can be distinguished by two silver 'pearls' on the underside of the hind wing.
How we manage our woods
The Forestry Commission is working closely with Butterfly Conservation to make sure that open habitats in woods and forest are maintained. Suitable habitats are being created by coppicing and opening up woodland rides.
where to see pearl-bordered fritillaries GB wide in England
in Scotland
in Wales
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Did you know The Forestry Commission is targeting its Woodland Grant Schemes at coppice restoration projects to benefit the pearl-bordered fritillary. Vital statistics Adult wingspan: 42 mm Find out more
Useful sites
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