Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Boloria selene
Overview
Small pearl-bordered fritillaries need violets. The caterpillars eat them. Foulshaw Moss. Grizedale. Damp grassland. May to July. Sunny morning. They're orange and black. Fast. Follow them. They'll settle eventually.
At a Glance
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Damp grassland · Woodland clearing · Violet habitat |
| UK population | Declining. Localised in northern and western Britain. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss and Grizedale hold populations. Damp grassland with violets. May to July. Sunny day. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Damp grassland and woodland clearings. Foulshaw Moss, Grizedale, the Borrowdale valley. Violet leaves for the caterpillars.
Identification
Orange and black fritillary. Pearl markings on the underside. Smaller than pearl-bordered. Violets nearby.
Viewing & Photography Tips
May to July. Sunny morning. Damp grassland. Foulshaw Moss. Look for violets first. The butterflies will be there.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is of moderate conservation concern. Population monitoring and habitat management in the Lake District support its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.