About Glanville Fritillary
An orange and black chequered butterfly confined in Britain to the Isle of Wight's coastal cliffs. It was named after Lady Eleanor Glanville, an eccentric 17th-century collector.
Did You Know?
Lady Glanville's relatives tried to have her will annulled, claiming only a lunatic would collect butterflies.
How to Identify Glanville Fritillary
Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 33-40 mm wingspan.
Glanville Fritillary Habitat
Glanville Fritillary is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Glanville Fritillary Diet and Feeding
Glanville Fritillary is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Glanville Fritillary Found?
Glanville Fritillary can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Glanville Fritillary can be found
Is Glanville Fritillary Dangerous?
Glanville Fritillary is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Glanville Fritillary Role in Nature
Glanville Fritillary is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Glanville Fritillary
What does Glanville Fritillary look like?
The Glanville Fritillary typically measures 33-40 mm wingspan.
Where is Glanville Fritillary found?
The Glanville Fritillary is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Glanville Fritillary eat?
The Glanville Fritillary feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Glanville Fritillary dangerous to humans?
The Glanville Fritillary is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Glanville Fritillary endangered?
The Glanville Fritillary is currently classified as Least Concern (rare in Britain) by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Glanville Fritillary?
Lady Glanville's relatives tried to have her will annulled, claiming only a lunatic would collect butterflies.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/glanville-fritillary
MLA:
"Glanville Fritillary." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/glanville-fritillary.