Local in woodland rides, woodland clearings and flower meadows; 500-1500 m throughout much of southern Europe. In Britain, recorded twice, in Cornwall in 1911 and Dorset in 1969, perhaps under-recorded owing to confusion with
Silver-washed Fritillary. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 64-80 mm. Larva feeds on Wild Pansy and Common Dog-violet.