Heath Fritillary
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Melitaea athalia
Common on heathlands of Exmoor, Dartmoor, East Sussex & Cornwall.
The full-grown sixth instar Caterpillar is predominantly black; it has pale (yellow-orange) spines and (greyish-white) spots
The Larvae feeds on Common Cow-wheat.
The upperside is predominantly dark brown and orange brown, with the orange-brown spots delineated by dark brown.
The upperside of the body is a similar dark brown to the colour on the wing, and the base of both wings is dark brown.
The underside shows bands of red and (off-)white, again with each vein dark brown and each colour delineated by dark brown.
The pattern of white spots at the base of the hindwing (visible at rest) is diagnostic for identification.
Flight period is June-July.