Last Updated on October 27, 2023 9:27 AM by Miroslav Maric
English name:
Nickerl’s Fritillary
Full scientific name:
Melitaea aurelia (Nickerl, 1850)
Croatian name:
Zlaćana riđa
Flight Period and Life Cycle
1 brood per year. Overwinters as caterpillar.
Distribution in Croatia
Missing in the far south. Check the included map.
External Morphology Characteristics
On the upper side of both wings there are brown bands and orange spots. External morphology of Melitaea athalia, Melitaea aurelia and Melitaea britomartis is very similar. Individuals of three species have very variable external morphology. Examination of the male genitalia is the reference method for separating three species.
Behavior
Imago feeds with nectar of various flowers.
Caterpillar Host Plants
Plantago species.
Habitat
Nutrient-poor grasslands. Elevations: 0-1300m.