A rare Red Data Book species, on moorland, heaths, rough grassland, sea cliffs and woodland clearings; 0-500 m (0-2200 m in Europe) in parts of England; Fennoscandia and mainland Europe. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight now confined to a very small number of sites, including Bentley Wood, Roydon Common and Pamber Forest. Wingspan 41-44 mm. Best distinguished from
Pearl-bordered Fritillary by pattern on underside of the hindwing. Larva feeds on Common Dog-violet and Marsh Violet.