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Speyeria aglaja
This beautiful fritillary is strongly associated with flower-rich, open habitats. In Sussex, the largest of their self-contained colonies may be found on downland, especially between the River Arun and Eastbourne. This species is not confined to chalk, and there are a few small colonies to the north of the South Downs where it may be found in the glades and wide, sunny rides of woodland, sometimes flying alongside Silver-washed Fritillaries.
The background colour of the male DGF is bright orange-brown with a lovely scattering of black dots, blocks, and crescents. The female is readily distinguished from the male as the background colour is much duller and the margins noticeably paler. The hindwings of both sexes are suffused with a bold olive-green with scattered large white spots and within this county cannot be confused with any other fritillary. Elsewhere, the High Brown Fritillary needs to be considered.
There is a single brood, and the flight period is usually from early/mid-June until late August. This species lays its eggs on violets. On downland the foodplant is usually Hairy Violet, whilst in woodlands, Common Dog-violet is generally used. On downland sites where there are DGF colonies there is a need for light grazing, otherwise the violets are likely to become swamped with more vigorous vegetation.
There are many large colonies on the South Downs and good sites to visit are, Birling Gap to Beachy Head at TV562957, Chantry Hill at TQ085123, Cissbury Ring from TQ137076 to TQ145080 (via TQ139082), Friston Forest and Lullington Heath NNR from TV527993 to TV544986 and Windover Hill from TQ532032 to TQ543033.
Female Dark Green Fritillary – photo by Martin Kalaher
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Male nectaring on Field Scabious
Female nectaring on Field Scabious
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Male nectaring on Field Scabious
Female nectaring on Field Scabious
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Male nectaring on Greater Knapweed (showing the Dark Green)
Butterfly Conservation Dark Green Fritillary
