A former resident has returned to the region after a century of absence moving north in increasing numbers and forming new colonies in recent years. It is the largest of our fritillaries and takes its name from the iridescence of the hindwings. This is a butterfly of larger woodlands with open rides and the bright orange male is distinctive with a fast-swooping flight who start the season patrolling high along the wood edge. The female is slightly larger, darker with more prominent spots. The adults are very mobile and gregarious following nectar sources around the woodland, knapweed being a particular favourite. The caterpillar's main food plant is Common Dog-violet.
North East England Butterfly Atlas