Wingspan: 38–48 mm
Flight period: in two generations; from April to June and from July to September
Larval host plants: species from the genus Centaurea (Centaurea)
The large fritillary (Melitaea phoebe) is similar to the speckled fritillary, but is usually a little larger. The main and most obvious difference between these species is in the pattern on the underside of the hindwings. The large fritillary in the outer band of orange spots lacks the black spots that are so characteristic of the speckled fritillary. The females of the large fritillary are more vividly and more strongly coloured than the males. The pattern on the upperside of the wings is formed by bands of pale orange and red-orange spots, which are black-edged, but the prominence and coloration of the pattern can vary considerably among individuals.
The large fritillary is a widely distributed and common species of butterfly that occurs from the sea to the high mountains. It prefers open grassy areas, but it also does well in more shrubby landscapes and light woodlands.
