Fritillaries (Nymphalidae)
I think of this family as the connoisseur's butterflies. 8 species, all superficially similar and none are common. Two are fairly widespread in distribution, but the rest are definitely not. Most have declined significantly from past population sizes. Always striking though and well worth tracking down.
Silver-washed Fritillary
Dark Green Fritillary - The most widespread of the fritillaries. Though only found in small pockets. Their habitats are varied and include coastal dunes. Tricky to differentiate from the High Brown Fritillary, unless you get a good sight of the underwing. These are one of the big fritillary species.
Wardlow Quarry in Staffs. July
Glanville Fritillary - You need to be committed to find this one. Unless you live on the Isle of Wight of course. Around late May and early June, mainly along the south coast of the isle. It's a good excuse for a holiday there though. I was lucky and found several on the first afternoon we arrived. Not difficult to find when the sun is up. The south facing chalk cliffs soon lift the temperature enough to get the males flying. A beautiful, little fritillary with stunning patterning above and below.
Bonchurch, Isle of Wight - 1st week in June
Heath Fritillary - A very accommodating butterfly for photographers. Often seen in large numbers within a relatively small area, but restricted to very few local sites in Kent, Essex and Devon. They certainly make a satisfying visit, but unless you seek out one of their remaining stronghold sites, and at the right time of year, most will never encounter this great little butterfly. Quite similar to the Glanville in size and appearance.
East Blean Wood, Canterbury - Mid June
High Brown Fritillary - Thought to be our rarest and most threatened of all our butterfly species. Can only be seen at a few isolated spots. Closely resembles the Dark Green and they can be seen together in certain places.
Arnside Knott, Cumbria. Early August
Marsh Fritillary - Much smaller than the DG, HB & SW Frits. Marsh are unique in having the three colour pattern on the wing, rather than the two colour pattern of the others. Generally only found in the SW corner of England but surprisingly occupy the western side of Scotland too.
Cerne Giant hillside, Dorset. Early June
Pearl-Bordered Fritillary - Medium in size. This is the first fritillary of the year, emerging from mid-April. Heavily declined in number but a it makes finding one early in the butterfly season a treat.
Eyarth Rocks, Denbighshire. Late April
Wyre Forest. Early May
Silver-washed Fritillary - The largest and latest of the fritillaries. This is a large butterfly. Very striking and are strong fliers. Particularly when you encounter males patrolling woodland rides, searching for females.
Fermyn Woods, Northants. Mid July
Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary - Slightly smaller than the PBF and emerging around a month later. They can be seen together, which presents some difficulty with identification. However there are clear differences in their underwing patterning.
Cannock Chase, Staffs - Mid June
Bentley Wood, Hants. Early June