Heath Fritillary athalia Egg mass

Heath Fritillary Melicta athalia

Allow the hatching larvae to feed and establish themselves in a pot of foodplant. Sleeve pot and all and leave out of doors for hibernation, exposed but in a place that drains.

Common in parts of Europe, and a rare and very localised species in Britain.  The larvae thrive on narrow-leaved Plantain Plantago  and bear a remarkable resemblance to its flowerheads.  Larvae supplied in July/August will normally hibernate, but in warm conditions, some may grow and produce butterflies again this year.

Hibernation is best carried out with larvae on a substantial potted foodplant, pot and plant sleeved for protection. Keep outside in all weathers but away from flooding.