Heath Fritillary
Melitaea athaliaThe Heath Fritillary is one of the UK’s rarest butterflies, found only in a few small colonies in southern England. Known as the ‘Woodman’s Follower’, they rely on areas of woodland where trees have been cut to keep habitats sunny and sheltered heathland valleys. Males and females often bask together, while the young caterpillars live communally after hatching from large batches of eggs. Now one of our rarest butterflies, they’ve been saved from the brink of extinction by the concerted action of conservationists.
A rare and precious sight for butterfly lovers
The Heath Fritillary is a butterfly of sheltered heathland valleys and woods, though they rely on the help of humans to coppice the trees and make sure the woodland doesn’t grow too shady. This is how they earned the nickname ‘the Woodman’s Follower’ as they follow the cycle of cutting around a woodland.
It has the typical beauty of the fritillary family with warm orange wings, patterned with intricate dark markings. The chrysalis is just as stunning, with its pearly white colour, black markings and orange spots. Unlike many butterflies, males and females can often be found basking together in groups.
Females can lay batches of up to 150 eggs, and their caterpillars stay together, living in groups when young.
The Heath Fritillary can only be found in England in a few small colonies in the south west and south east of the country. Sadly, they are now one of our rarest butterflies but have been saved from the brink of extinction by the concerted action of conservationists.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Heath Fritillary special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
These butterflies like to be together. Unusually, their males and females bask in the sun together, and their caterpillars live in groups when young.
Test your knowledge
Why are the Heath Fritillary called the ‘Woodman’s Follower’?They depend on coppiced woodland, following freshly cut areas that provide the sunny conditions they need.
Does the Heath Fritillary get your vote?