Life
Cycle of the Dark
Green Fritillary
Ovum:
This conical shaped egg measuring c.1.0 mm tall is yellow when
first laid and develops purple bands in time.
It is deposited near to, or
on, violet plants in sheltered places in July and August, hatching
in c.20 days.
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Ovum on
Moss Ovum on
Violet leaf
prior to hatching. |
Larva:
The fully fed larva reaches c.38 mm in length. Its
body is velvety-black and speckled white especially on the
dorsal surface. There are dorsal and lateral branched black spines
and a distinct row of 8 bright red spots
along each side below the level of the spiracles. Shiny black
head.
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© DHardiman 2003 |
The newly hatched larva after eating its eggshell immediately goes
into hibernation.
It overwinters at
the first instar among leaf debris at the base of its
foodplant. As soon as spring warmth
arrives the tiny larva commences maturation and feeds on the fresh
growth until it reaches full size about
late May. This larval stage lasts from August to May or
June.
Pupa:
Pupation takes place completely hidden in dense vegetation about late
May and lasts for 3-4 weeks. The pupa is
suspended in a loosely constructed tent-like structure of spun leaves low
down among vegetation.
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© DHardiman 2003 |
Adult:
The butterfly emerges from mid-June onwards and is on the wing
until mid-September. During this time
feeding, mating and ovipositing takes place.
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Dark
Green Fritillary
© DHardiman |
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