A common and widespread spring and early summer butterfly in Bulgaria. By July few are still flying and those that are are usually worn and tatty.
Full-grown caterpillars may still be found in early May.
This is one of only two species of fritillary in Bulgaria, the other being Freyer's Fritillary (M. arduinna), that has a row of distinctive black spots in the post discal area of the upper hindwing, mirrored in the post-discal orange band on the underside of the hindwing. Freyer's Fritillary is larger, a brighter orange and has a much more restricted range in Bulgaria (see that species).
This is a meadow butterfly, most frequently found in open flowery grassy meadows, but also in glades amongst deciduous woodland and scrub.
We have found it from sea-level to over 1600 masl, with occasional specimens found at over 2000 masl.
Recorded in 58 (3.1%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.
Last recorded in June 2019
Recorded date range (Adult): 05 May to 14 July