Twin-spot fritillary

Twin-spot fritillary
Dorsal view
Ventral view
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Brenthis
Species: B. hecate
Binomial name
Brenthis hecate
(Denis & Schiffermūller 1775)

The twin-spot fritillary (Brenthis hecate) is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.

Description

Brenthis hecate is a large fritillary with a wingspan reaching 35–45 millimetres (1.4–1.8 in) and bright orange uppersides of the wings. The underside of the hindwings shows a double parallel line of brown spots (hence the common name). The flight period extends from May to early August. The larva feeds on Filipendula ulmaria and Dorycnium.

Distribution

Brenthis hecate is found in South-West Europe, South Russia, the Balkans, Asia Minor, Iran and Central Asia.

Habitat

This species is typical of dry flowery meadows with light scrub and woodland margins, at an elevation of 25–1,500 metres (82–4,921 ft) a.s.l..

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