Argynnis pandora

BUTTERFLY INFO

Argynnis pandora is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae on the island of Crete, Greece.

Scientific name

Argynnis pandora (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Common name

Mediterranean Fritillary

Classification

Family: Nymphalidae > Subfamily: Heliconiinae > Tribus: Argynnini > Genus: Argynnis

Wingspan

Male to female: 70-80 mm

Appearance

The upper side has a dark yellow-brown, distinctive in flight color, and the black markings of the wings form a very characteristic pattern.

The underside of the hindwing is dull greenish, with two thin silvery-white bands in discal and postdiscal areas, with five small white spots in the postdiscal area and a yellow band in the submarginal area.

Females appear to be larger than males, with larger black marks.

Behavior

It has a strong fast flight 2-3 m above the ground. The butterfly is not so active during the hot days of summer.

Habitat

Argynnis pandora in Crete can be found in fields near forests, dry and warm habitats with shrubs such as clearings in dry forests, light shrubland, seaside, bush rich dry slopes, and similar places.

Food plant

The larva lives on Violaceae plants.

Flight period

The butterfly flies in one generation per year.

Remarks

The Mediterannean Fritillary has a unique appearance in Crete and can’t be confused with any other butterflies of the island.

Status*

Least Concern (LC)

(*European Red List of Butterflies, 2010)