- Lifespan
- 2–4 weeks as an adult butterfly in the wild
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 32–38 mm
- Habitat
- Woodland clearings, coppiced areas, and sunny rides with abundant violets; typically found in damp, sheltered locations with tall herb layers.
- UK Distribution
- Resident breeder found across much of England and Wales, with populations in Scotland; generally absent from Ireland. Distributed in scattered colonies across suitable woodland habitats.
- Diet
- Adults feed on flower nectar, particularly from bugle, germander speedwell, and other spring-flowering plants; caterpillars feed exclusively on violet species, primarily dog violet and marsh violet.
- Predators
- Birds, spiders, and small mammals; parasitoid wasps also target larvae and pupae
- Mating Season
- April to June (single brood species)
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs singly on violet leaves in April–May. Eggs hatch within 6–8 days; larvae develop over 4–5 weeks before pupating. Single generation per year with pupae overwintering.
- Behaviour
- Males are highly territorial and patrol sunny woodland rides in search of females, often returning to the same perch. They have a fast, erratic flight typical of fritillaries. Both sexes are sun-loving and rarely active in overcast conditions.