Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia)

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IMAGES COURTESY OF STEVE SHROUD (C)

Named after the 18th century naturalist Eleanor Glanville this butterfly is now restricted entirely to the Isle of Wight. Easily confused with the MArsh Fritillary if it where not for the row of orange spots, with black dots on the hind wings . Yound caterpillars are gregarious and sunbathe of the silk webs they spin on Ribwort plantain. their food plant. ( The butteflies alternative name the Ribwort Fritillary refers to this )The caterpillars over winter in their web and resume feeding in spring . Adults fly in colonies of several humdred