Marsh Fritillary aurinia larvae 10 larvae

Marsh Fritillary Eurodryas aurinia 

Larvae feed low amongst the leaves of Devil’s Bit Scabioius, but will also eat Honeysuckle. Honeysuckle starts leafing very early in the year, especially where sheltered in woodland. By February it is not diffficult to find enough foodplant to keep caterpillars well fed.  In captivity the larvae are recorded as accepting Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata, Teasel Dipsacus and Snowberry Symphoricarpos.

Pre-hibernation larvae might be induced to develop and produce another generation with long day-length and sufficient warmth.

After waking in the spring the larvae grow fast, pupating in April and emerging as butterflies in May.