Wingspan: 45–60 mm
Flight period: in one generation from June to August
Larval host plants: species of the genus Viola (Viola)
Painted fritillary (Argynnis adippe) is at first glance very similar to the shining pearl-bordered fritillary, but the upperside of the wings in the Painted fritillary is of a more intense orange color, the black border along the wing edge is not as wide and pronounced as in its relative. The greatest difference between them becomes evident when the butterfly rests or sips nectar. Then one can observe on the underside of its hindwings a row of differently sized brownish-red eye-like spots. They lie between the semicircular silver-white markings along the outer edge of the wings and a row of dull four-armed pearl spots, which lie in the middle of the hind pair of wings. The outer edge of these spots is black.
The Painted fritillary occurs from sea level to high mountains. It favors dry and warm grassy areas overgrown with scattered shrubs and hedgerows, but can also be found in woodland clearings in light woods.
