Melitaea ornata

English name:
Eastern Knapweed Fritillary
Full scientific name:
Melitaea ornata (Christoph, 1893)
Croatian name:
Termofilna trputčeva riđa

Red Book Category in EU: DD

Red Book Category in Croatia: NE

Wings span: 36-43 mm

Melitaea ornata, Čikola, 0521N4461
Melitaea ornata, Čikola, 0521N4461
Melitaea ornata, Čikola, 0521N4461
Melitaea ornata, Čikola, 0521N4461

Flight Period and Life Cycle

Flight period of Melitaea ornata in Croatia
Flight period of Melitaea ornata in Croatia

1 brood per year. Overwinters as caterpillar.

Distribution in Croatia

Distribution of Melitaea ornata in Croatia
Distribution of Melitaea ornata in Croatia

More common on the south. Check the included map.

External Morphology Characteristics

The upper side of the wings is orange-brown. In the postdiscal zone of the underside of the hindwing there is a series of orange spots. The orange spots are bordered by dark lines. The species is similar to Melitaea phoebe. Below is the comparison of the underside of the hindwing:

Melitaea ornata (left) vs Melitaea phoebe (right), lateral view, wings closed
Melitaea ornata (left) vs Melitaea phoebe (right), lateral view, wings closed

The distinguishing features of the markings on the wings of Melitaea ornata and Melitaea phoebe are as follows: In Melitaea ornata, the wavy lines appear thicker and have a triangular shape with breaks in the veins. On the other hand, in Melitaea phoebe, the lines resemble bracket signs and are either connected or almost connected on the veins.

Behavior

Imago feeds with nectar of various flowers.

Caterpillar Host Plants

Centaurea species.

Habitat

Nutrient-poor grasslands. Elevations: 0-1200m.

Gallery

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