Niobe Fritillary Argynnis niobe, Vuganac, Velebit mountains, Croatia – Peter Bruce-Jones
Introduction
The genus Argynnis comprises of about 25 species, found variously in Europe, temperate Asia and North America. Certain workers include an additional 18 Speyeria species within Argynnis.
Argynnis niobe is found throughout most of Europe but is absent from Britain and sub-arctic regions of Scandinavia. Beyong Europe it occurs across temperate Asia to Mongilia and Amur.
Niobe Fritillary Argynnis niobe, form eris, Velebit mountains, Croatia � Peter Bruce-Jones
Habitats
This species is found in alpine pastures, open woodland and river valleys at elevations between sea level and about 2200mm.
Lifecycle
The egg is laid singly on dead grass stems or other leaf litter in the vicinity of the larval foodplants. Although the larva is fully formed within the egg by July, it remains dormant and does not hatch until the following spring. The larval foodplants are Viola species ( Violaceae ).
Adult behaviour
Males often bask on bare ground or boulders where they await passing females. Both sexes nectar at Asteraceae and other flowers.