Marsh Fritillary - Favourite Photo of 2024

[Wurzel]

Marsh Fritillary

I saw a fantastic array of variation in this species this year – from very dark to almost yellow. There was even one which was a perfect two tone of chocolate and orange. However the one that stood out over all others was this cracking female from Compton Down, Dorset. Philzoid and I had eschewed the track and its Glannies and were investigating the Down proper. Whilst he was trying for Greenstreaks I stumbled across this stunning female. She was so fresh I reckon she’d only just finished pumping and drying her wings; my theory backed up by her distinct lack of urgency to move on anywhere. I knew she was a bit special straight away as the spots shone out pure white. She was a right corker!

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Late May, there were a few around on the Commons near where I live:

[David M]

For me, the most desirable form is beckeri, found in SW France and parts of Iberia.

This one was seen in the French Pyrenees in late May:

[MrSp0ck]

The Autumn issue of BC devon shows a caterpillar of Marsh Fritillary on Plantain too, so it seems they are using it, also the adult pictures from Cotley Hill show them resting on Plantain, so again lots availiable if the Devils-Bit runs out there too, due to population size.

[bugboy]

Should've been an easy choice to pick a fav image, had I not taken an obscene amount of images of the subject so here's 3 chosen at random.

[millerd]

Yes, that one is a corker, Paul!

This butterfly has such colourful variability, it is difficult to choose between them. I've whittled the examples down though, from a trip to Cotley Hill on 25th May.

Dave