Small pearl-bordered fritillary (Clossiana selene)

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A declining species in western Europe, it is usually fairly common where it occurs. It likes clearings in forests where it glides above the grass and low plants alighting to feed frequently on flowers. It also flies in the Rila Mts of Bulgaria, somewhat isolated from its central and northern European range. The Pearl Bordered Fritillary, C. euphrosyne, is a close relative with which it often flies. That butterfly is usually slightly earlier on the wing at the end of April, May with this species beginning to appear in mid-May.

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Size: 4256px × 2832px
Location: Vassivere, Estonia
Photo credit: © Heiti Paves / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, butterfly, closeup, clossiana, estonia, europe, fritillary, insect, lepidoptera, nature, nymphalidae, pearl-bordered, selene, small, wildlife