Knapweed fritillary[1] | |
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Male | |
Female | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Lepidoptera |
Family: | Nymphalidae |
Genus: | Melitaea |
Species: | M. phoebe
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Binomial name | |
Melitaea phoebe | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Papilio phoebe Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775 |
Melitaea phoebe, also known as the Knapweed fritillary,[1] is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.[2] It is found in the Palearctic realm, except the northernmost locations. It used to include Melitaea telona, recently revalidated as a distinct cryptic species.
For a key to the terms used, see Glossary of entomology terms. |
Melitaea phoebe's wingspan is 34–50 mm. The largest Melitaea of the Old World, at least certain of its forms. The forewing is much more pointed than in the previous species; equally variable in both colour and distinctness of markings. The black markings are usually united, in some cases even covering nearly the whole wing, but in other cases may be strongly reduced. It is characteristic for this species that the reddish yellow submarginal lunate spot situated between the two median veins reaches with its vertex considerably farther into the disc than the other yellow lunate spots. This is especially the case on the forewing, but also on the hindwing. The submarginal lunule between the 1 and 2 median veins projects farther basal than the others of the same row.[3] Wheeler (1903) gives a short description.[4]
The butterfly flies from April to September depending on the location. The larvae feed on Plantago and Centaurea species (including Centaurea jacea).[citation needed]
M. phoebe is present in Europe, except in the northern part: England, Ireland, Northern France, Germany, Poland and Scandinavia. It is also found in North Africa (Morocco and Algeria),Turkey, Siberia and Center Asia (Mongolia and China).
The Knapweed fritillary lives in the flowery meadows.
Named in the classical tradition. Phoebe is in Greek mythology is one of the first generation of Titans, who were one set of sons and daughters of Uranus and Gaia.[citation needed]