A woodland wanderer and moorland meanderer
The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is slightly smaller than the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, and slightly less fussy about where it calls home. It’s a fan of damp grassy areas as well as woodland clearings, and can also be found on moorland.
You’ll often see them flying low to the ground, where they love to nectar on flowers like thistles and Bramble.
You can tell them apart from the Pearl-bordered Fritillary by the many more white pearly markings on their hindwings, the outer markings bordered by black chevrons, and they have a distinct, larger black dot in the centre.
You’ll have to be up early to see one, though. These butterflies rise early, warming up in the morning sun. While they remain widespread and common across Scotland and Wales, they’ve sadly seen a significant decline throughout England.
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 Small 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.
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries often emerge early in the day and warm up in the morning sun before becoming active.
Test your knowledge
What helps Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries avoid predators while in chrysalis form?Their chrysalis resembles a dead leaf and has metallic bumps that help it blend into its surroundings.
