Frit ID Help Needed

[Catteraxe]

The picture below was taken in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence at the Col de la Cayolle (2360m). I think it's either Shepherd's or Mountain but I'm unclear which (and, of course, I may well be wrong on both counts!). Any insight gratefully received.

Kevin.

[David M]

Hard to say from an underside alone, Kev, and in any case this specimen seems quite weakly marked. Don't suppose you have any uppers?

[Catteraxe]

Hi David,

Unfortunately I don't have any upperside images

[Catteraxe]

Having just read Roger's EIG article on identification of Shepherd's and Mountain, I think my image is a Mountain Frit (napaea). A very useful article.

Kevin.

[Chris Jackson]

Hi Kevin,
Remind me to whip my Borloria photos out during the off-season.
We'll then have a little comparison.
Chris

[Catteraxe]

Hi Chris,

That should prove a very interesting exercise!

Kevin.

[David M]

Remind me to whip my Borloria photos out during the off-season.

Do you have an off-season, Chris?

[Padfield]

Hi Kevin. I've been on data-roaming for a while so resisted the temptation to visit posts like this! You are right - your butterfly is a female mountain fritillary, B. napaea. In the Alps, males can be very tricky, mainly because of the huge variation in the linearity/macularity of the pales upperside. But females are generally easy from either surface. The underside of female napaea is really very pale, as shown in your picture.

Guy

[Catteraxe]

Thanks Guy, your confirmation is appreciated.

Kevin