Unlike the Knapweed Fritillary (Melitaea phoebe), the Eastern Knapweed Fritillary is single brooded flying in the spring, overlapping with the first brood of Knapweed Fritillary. It occurs in the hotter regions of southen Bulgaria and here both species may fly together.
The two species are very similar, especially on the topside. However thay can usually be readily separated on underside hindwing characters. Key underside ID features are shown in the accompanying captioned pictures above.
Occurs mainly in the lowlands, in rough or rocky grassland situations in the hotter parts of southern Bulgaria, mainly south of the Stara Planina.
Recorded in 18 (0.9%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.
Last recorded in June 2019
Recorded date range (Adult): 08 May to 08 June
