Dark green fritillaries are large, powerful butterflies named for the green tinge on the underside of their wings. They can be frustratingly elusive as they flit between thistles and knapweed in search of nectar and couples often continue to sip nectar even while mating. One of the most widespread fritillaries in the British Isles, they are found from the south of England to the north of Scotland and around the Irish coast and are also common throughout much of Europe. They prefer sunny, flower-rich grasslands, where various species of violet are used as food plants for the larvae.

How to identify common garden butterflies.

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