Belarus frit

[DuncanM]

Can anyone identify the small fritillary in the attached photo. It was taken in southern Belarus on 6th May in a woodland ride. I'm hovering between PBF, SPBF and Weaver's but it doesn't seem to fit any of them exactly. Underwing not seen unfortunately. Thanks.

[Padfield]

Hi Duncan. I think this is a melanic pearl-bordered fritillary. You are right to limit your thoughts to those three species - there is nothing else in the area this could be. The disposition of the spots, as well as the general appearance, is wrong for small pearl-bordered. The wing shape and the submarginal pattern both to me rule out violet fritillary ('Weaver's'), even though this is commonly melanic like this. All these features are just right for pearl-bordered. Melanics are generally not uncommon in Boloria so I don't think the detail of the dark patches can be considered determinative.

Guy

[DuncanM]

Thanks Guy. That's great.
Duncan.