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Marsh fritillary

Marsh fritillary

Eurodryas aurinia

A species of Eurodryas

Adorned with a mosaic of orange, brown, and golden hues on their wing uppersides, marsh fritillary undergo a striking transformation from a black, spiny caterpillar to a vividly patterned adult. They inhabit grassland ecosystems where the larvae feed primarily on scrubby plants before undergoing metamorphosis. Adults prefer nectar-rich flowers, contributing to the pollination of a variety of plants.

General Info About Marsh fritillary
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Attributes of Marsh fritillary
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Orange
Habitat
This species is widespread in the Palearctic realm, from Ireland in the west to Yakutia in the east, and to north-west China and Mongolia in the south. The marsh fritillary is in decline in Europe and it is one of eleven butterflies covered by the United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan. Within the British Isles, it is more frequent in the south and west, but especially in Wales where there is a stronghold This species lives in calcareous grassland, in woodland clearings, in damp marshy areas (hence the common name), and in heathy grassland, dominated by tussock forming grasses, including purple moor and rush pastures. In Finland, E. aurinia has been shown to favor semi-permanent grasslands and impermanent clearcuts in the forest. Young clearcuts were preferred over old clearcuts due to the dense growth of vegetation in old clearcut forests. In the United Kingdom, two types of grasslands can be inhabited by E. aurinia: damp grasslands that are either neutral or acidophilus and dry grasslands that have an abundance of plants growing in lime-rich soil (calcicolous grasslands). These butterflies can reach an elevation of 10–2,200 metres (33–7,218 ft) above sea level. In the British Isles, the marsh fritillary is usually found in damp, heathy grasslands that are called rhos pastures, from the Welsh word rhos meaning heath. Small populations can be an important element of the ecology because they produce many mobile individuals which can then found other populations. The marsh fritillary is protected under UK law, listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the EU Habitats and Species Directive (Annex II). The Devon Wildlife Trust owns a number of sites at which it monitors this species. Examples include Stowford Moor (near Holsworthy, Devon), Dunsdon nature reserve (near Bude), Mambury Moor (near Great Torrington), Vealand Farm nature reserve (near Holsworthy), and Volehouse Nature Reserve (near Holsworthy). In 2009, population counts had significantly increased from years 2007 and 2008. In 2018, a breeding population was found in Carmarthenshire, Wales, after an absence of 50 years. In Lithuania (included into the Lithuanian Red Data Book since 2000, red list category-3 (R))(Rašomavičius, 2007) is protected insect species. Euphydryas aurinia usually is found in natural and seminatural moist or wet oligotrophic grasslands (purple moorgrass and heath rush meadows), base rich fens, mostly in Eastern, North-Western and Central Lithuania, where its main foodplant Succisa pratensis (Dipsacaceae) is abundant. Inhabited patches frequently are situated along woodland edges or surrounded by bushes. Species is not found in Southern Lithuania where sandy soils predominate and in South-Western Lithuania where agriculture is very intensive.
Adult Food Sources
Thistles (cirsium and carduus spp.), knapweeds (centaurea spp.), daisies (bellis perennis), buttercups (ranunculus spp.), ivy (hedera spp.)
Larva Food Source
Plantains (plantago spp.), gerard's cinquefoil (potentilla cinerea), marsh cinquefoil (comarum palustre), meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Marsh fritillary
Widespread
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Life Cycle of Marsh fritillary
Egg After oviposition, the marsh fritillary's eggs may rest on host plants. Eggs are minuscule, spherical or ovate, with distinct color variations that may camouflage with surroundings.
Larva The marsh fritillary larvae hatch with a voracious appetite, primarily for host plant leaves. Initially small and inconspicuous, they molt multiple times, increasing in size and sometimes changing colors for camouflage.
Pupal During the pupal phase, the marsh fritillary undergoes transformation within a chrysalis. The organism is immobile and vulnerable, protected by a hardening exoskeleton. Color sometimes blends with the environment for defense.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult marsh fritillary's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Interesting Facts About Marsh fritillary
The larvae of marsh fritillary engage in communal living, sharing silk tents that they construct, which is unusual among butterflies of temperate regions.
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Scientific Classification of Marsh fritillary
Tips for Finding Marsh fritillary
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How Can You Attract Marsh fritillary
Adult marsh fritillary may be attracted using bait traps that include overripe fruit, fermented sweet baits, or sugar solutions.
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Habitat Preferences of Marsh fritillary Through Different Life Stages
During its larval stage, marsh fritillary can commonly be found on the leaves of specific host plants, often favoring well-lit but sheltered environments like woodland clearings or grassy meadows with abundant food sources. The pupae typically attach themselves to stems or leaves, camouflaged within the vegetation, preferring places that are secure yet exposed to enough warmth and humidity for development. If searching for the elusive adult marsh fritillary, one should visit flower-rich fields and sunny spots where they feed on nectar, especially during spring when they are most active. To find these different growth stages, exploration should be carefully timed and focused on areas with host plants and abundant flowering species.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Marsh fritillary
The best time to find adult marsh fritillary is during sunny days, especially late mornings to mid-afternoons when they are most active. For caterpillars, cool mornings or evenings might be more suitable as they are less active and easier to spot.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Marsh fritillary
Adult marsh fritillary prefer warmer weather without strong winds or rain. Caterpillars can often be found during overcast conditions when they are not directly exposed to intense sunlight.
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How and Where Can You Find Marsh fritillary at Different Life Stages
Egg Look for marsh fritillary eggs on the underside of host plant leaves, which will often be specific species that caterpillars feed on after hatching.
Larva Caterpillars of marsh fritillary can be located by searching the host plants they consume. Look for signs of feeding, like chewed leaves, and inspect the plant thoroughly.
Pupal The chrysalis of marsh fritillary may be found attached to sheltered areas on host plants or nearby structures, often camouflaged, so check crevices and the underside of leaves or branches.
Adult Adult marsh fritillary, once they emerge, are typically found near nectar sources such as flowering plants. Sunny spots with good diversity of flora are ideal locations to observe or capture them.
Are Marsh fritillary harmful?
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Are Marsh fritillary harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Marsh fritillary
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Thistles
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Marsh fritillary plays a key role in the pollination of various plants such as Asteraceae and thistles. It is drawn to flowers by their bright colors and specific shapes. While feeding on nectar and pollen for sustenance, marsh fritillary inadvertently transfers pollen from one blossom to another, facilitating plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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