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Melitaea phoebe, also known as the knapweed fritillary,[1] is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.[2] It is found in the Palearctic realm, including most of Europe and North Africa, excluding the UK and Scandinavia. Previously, it also included Melitaea telona, which was recently revalidated as a distinct cryptic species[citation needed].
| Knapweed fritillary[1] | |
|---|---|
_underside_Bulgaria.jpg)
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| Male | |
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| Female | |
Scientific classification 
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| 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 | |
Description
editThis section may require copy editing. (March 2024) |
Melitaea phoebe has a wingspan of approximately 34–50 mm. The forewing is much more pointed than in the previous species but equally variable in both colour and distinctive markings. The black markings are typically joined and in some cases can cover majority of the wing. However in some cases the black markings can be markedly reduced. A characteristic feature of this species is the reddish yellow submarginal lunate spot situated between the two median veins that 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]
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Male -
Male underside -
Female -
Female underside
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Pupa -
Larva -
Larva
Biology
editM. phoebe is active from April to September, depending on the location. The larvae feed on Plantago and Centaurea species (including Centaurea jacea).[citation needed]
Distribution and habitat
editM. phoebe is present in Europe, except in the northern regions such as England, Ireland, Northern France, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia. It is also found in North Africa (Morocco and Algeria), Turkey, Siberia, and Central Asia (Mongolia and China)[citation needed].
M. phoebe live in flowery meadows[5].
Etymology
editNamed in the classical tradition. Phoebe is - in Greek mythology - one of the first generation of Titans, who were one set of sons and daughters of Uranus and Gaia.[citation needed]
References
edit
- ^ a b c d e Melitaea phoebe[permanent dead link]. IUCN Red List.
- ^ Savela, Markku. "Melitaea phoebe (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
- ^ Seitz. A. in Seitz, A. ed. Band 1: Abt. 1, Die Großschmetterlinge des palaearktischen Faunengebietes, Die palaearktischen Tagfalter, 1909, 379 Seiten, mit 89 kolorierten Tafeln (3470 Figuren).
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Wheeler, George. The butterflies of Switzerland and the alps of central Europe. London: Elliot Stock, 1903.
- ^ Mazza, Giuseppe (7 August 2008). "Melitaea phoebe". Monaco Nature Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
