This chap was besotted with the flowering mint by our little pond.
I think it may be a Silver-washed Fritillary, but does anyone out there know please?
This message was edited Sep 18, 2004 10:15 AM
Which fritillary?
Here's another photo
Philomel, I agree with you, it is the Silver-washed Fritillary, Argynnis paphia
Thanks so much kennedyh.
She stayed all afternoon and was so beautiful. Much larger than I realised....
Do you have them in Australia?
I see from my book that they occur over a large part of Europe, but don't have a book showing world distribution.
It also says that, rather than laying their eggs directly on the violets that are the caterpillars' food plant, they lay them on the bark of trees, presumably for camouflage. The caterpillars then have a journey to make before they can start feeding. Fascinating.
No, they are not in Australia, but I have a book on European butterflies. I am from England originally.
Ah, which part of England?
...and how long have you been in Australia?
I was born in Hampshire during the war, but spent most of my childhood in Northwood in Middlesex. I lived in Lowestoft on the East coast for about 7 years, before moving to Australia in January 1973 where I have lived ever since, appart from a year's teaching exchange which took us to Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada for a year 1997-1998
I lived in Middlesex for a year when I was about 5, having been born in Chester a little after the war. Then we moved to Kent where I lived until moving out here to France 6 months ago.My father's family were from the coast of South Wales and as a child we went there every summer for a fortnight. Rock pools and sand castles :oD
My parents lived in Holt on the north Norfolk coast for a while, so I know a little of East Anglia
When my children were growing up we had a caravan - so the dogs could come to LOL - and often went to the New Forest area of Hampshire amongst other places.
Meant to ask what you like about Australia.....
Any chance you managed to get a shot of the undersides of the wings?
Would have loved to seen the pattern and coloration! She's a beaut !!
Sorry Magpye I didn't manage to. Tried, but she was too busy sunnibg herself ;)