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Hi Forum, can someone please set me straight with the attached butterfly please. It was seen in Evolene at the end of June 2013. My first thoughts were Melitaea (Mellicta) aurelia but also wondered if it could be a well marked Melitaea diamina. Apologies for poor photo and only ups available. Opinions and advice would be much appreciated, thank you

Hi Gary. This is definitely not diamina and almost certainly aurelia. I'm never comfortable saying 'certainly' with Melitaea from photographs! In the field, aurelia is more easily distinguishable from athalia (the only other option) by its flight and general appearance (much weaker flight, with less gliding and more faffing around). You were in the right place at the right time and this looks very good for aurelia so I would consider it that for your own records. This species is locally common but nevertheless still very local in Switzerland so as usual the precise location of the sighting should not be published.

Guy

Hi Guy, many thanks and really pleased with the ID. Your advice is always very welcome and understood. Thanks Gary