Grisons fritillary facts for kids
The Grisons fritillary (scientific name: Melitaea varia) is a beautiful butterfly. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family, also known as brush-footed butterflies. You can find this butterfly high up in the Alps mountains. It lives at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,600 meters (about 4,900 to 8,500 feet).
It is common in parts of Switzerland, like Valais and Graubünden. You can also spot it in the Ortler region of South Tyrol, Italy. It lives in high areas of France, Austria, and the Apennine Mountains in Italy.
Quick facts for kids Grisons fritillary |
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What It Looks Like
The Grisons fritillary is a small butterfly. Its wingspan is usually between 24 and 28 millimeters (about 1 inch).
The underside of its hindwings has special markings. These markings are often silvery white. This helps to tell it apart from other similar butterflies.
Male Grisons fritillaries sometimes have lighter markings on their front wings. Female butterflies can look a bit darker. Their bodies are often quite heavy.
Similar Butterflies
The Grisons fritillary can look similar to another butterfly called Melitaea parthenoides. However, there are a few ways to tell them apart:
- Melitaea parthenoides is usually larger.
- It has a more clear pattern on its wings.
- Its mouthparts (called palpi) are fox-red. In the Grisons fritillary, these are usually dark brown.
- Melitaea parthenoides flies in lower areas. This means they usually live in different places.
Life Cycle
The Grisons fritillary has one generation each year. This means they complete their life cycle once a year.
You can see these butterflies flying from June to August. The exact time depends on where they live.
The young butterflies, called larvae or caterpillars, eat different low-growing plants. Some of their favorite foods include Plantago alpina, Gentiana verna, and Gentiana acaulis.
Images for kids
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Male Grisons fritillary, top view
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Male Grisons fritillary, underside view
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Female Grisons fritillary, top view
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Female Grisons fritillary, underside view
