Marsh Fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
Least Concern (but declining and protected under EAbout Marsh Fritillary
A colourful butterfly with a complex mosaic of orange, cream, and brown markings across its wings. It is the most rapidly declining fritillary in Europe and is legally protected.
Did You Know?
Its populations undergo dramatic boom-and-bust cycles driven by a parasitic wasp that specialises on its larvae.
How to Identify Marsh Fritillary
Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 38-50 mm wingspan.
Marsh Fritillary Habitat
Marsh Fritillary is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Marsh Fritillary Diet and Feeding
Marsh Fritillary induces galls on plants and feeds within them. Gall-making insects trigger abnormal plant growth that provides both food and shelter for their developing larvae.
Where Is Marsh Fritillary Found?
Marsh Fritillary can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Marsh Fritillary can be found
Is Marsh Fritillary Dangerous?
Marsh 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.
Marsh Fritillary Role in Nature
Marsh 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 Marsh Fritillary
What does Marsh Fritillary look like?
The Marsh Fritillary typically measures 38-50 mm wingspan.
Where is Marsh Fritillary found?
The Marsh Fritillary is found in Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Marsh Fritillary eat?
The Marsh Fritillary induces galls on plants and feeds within them.
Is Marsh Fritillary dangerous to humans?
The Marsh Fritillary is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Marsh Fritillary endangered?
The Marsh Fritillary is currently classified as Least Concern (but declining and protected under E by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Marsh Fritillary?
Its populations undergo dramatic boom-and-bust cycles driven by a parasitic wasp that specialises on its larvae.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/marsh-fritillary
MLA:
"Marsh Fritillary." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/marsh-fritillary.