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A friend of mine photographed this in the Luberon Valley in Provence recently. We were wondering if anyone could shed some light as to what it is? I am guessing a Spotted Fritillary Abberation? Next closest thing I could fins is a Desert Fritillary, but they are a North African species...

Hi FISHiEE,

I can't see the picture - could you test the link?

Guy

Edited now so hopefully it comes through ok?

It's a spotted fritillary - but a remarkable aberration. I've never seen one like this. The species is noted for its variation and of the European fritillaries this is the one I've seen the most dramatic differences in. Females show the greatest range of form, and are dimorphic in many populations, but the markings on your individual (which is, of course, a male) are outside the range of 'variation' and enter the domain of 'aberration'!

Very interesting!

Guy

That is gorgeous!!!!!

Thanks for the confirmation Guy. I'm very envious he found this as it's a real stunner as Paul says. I've seen a great variation in the upper sides of the wing markings before, but nothing quite like this on the undersides.