Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Boloria euphrosyneThe Pearl-bordered Fritillary is a delicate woodland and hillside butterfly that flashes bright orange as it darts through sunlit clearings and rides and along sheltered slopes. They are one of the earliest fritillaries to emerge in spring, often seen searching for nectar on flowers such as Bugle. At rest, their underwings reveal a distinctive row of pearl-like markings that help them blend into bracken and leaf litter. Once more widespread, they are now only widespread across Scotland and select woodland habitats across the rest of the UK.
The butterfly with the pearl underwing
This small, delicately-patterned fritillary is a wonderful woodland and hillside beauty. Its bright orange wings flash through the forest and along slopes as it chases patches of sun and hunts for its favourite flower – Bugle – to nectar on.
Landed, you can get a look at its elegant underwings, boldly displaying a row of pearls along the outer edge, which lends it its name. This patterning is an important part of its camouflage and, against bracken, they are almost invisible at rest.
Pearl-bordered Fritillary caterpillars hibernate amongst the leaf litter through winter before forming leaf-like chrysalises – the perfect hiding place while they undergo their transformation. Adults emerge in spring as one of the first of the fritillary butterflies to take to the air.
Pearl-bordered Fritillaries are found in England and Wales, but are only widespread across Scotland. They make their home in woodland clearings, rides, glades and sheltered hillsides.
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 Pearl-bordered 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.
Pearl-bordered Fritillaries are among the earliest fritillaries to appear in spring, often emerging while woodland floors are still cool.
Test your knowledge
What feature gives the Pearl-bordered Fritillary its name?The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is named after the distinctive row of pearl-like markings along the edge of their underwings.
Does the Pearl-bordered Fritillary get your vote?