Local in woodland rides, woodland clearings and flower meadows throughout much of southern Europe. In Britain, recorded twice, in Cornwall in 1911 and Dorset in 1969, and may go unrecorded 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.