Melitaea phoebe

Melitaea phoebe
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Melitaea
Species: M. phoebe
Binomial name
Melitaea phoebe
Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775

The knapweed fritillary (Melitaea phoebe) is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in the Palearctic ecozone, except the northernmost locations. It used to include Melitaea telona, recently revalidated as a distinct cryptic species.

Description

The wingspan is 34–50 mm. The butterfly flies from April to September depending on the location.


Biology

The larvae feed on Plantago and Centaurea species (including Centaurea jacea).


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