Dark Green Fritilary - Argynnis aglaja. Family Nymphalidae. This widespread butterfly occurs throughout Europe and is represented in North Africa by a distinct race, spp. lyauteyi Oberthur. In the British Isles it may be found almost everywhere and is locally common. The distinctly dark form occurring in the western isles of Scotland has been named spp. scotica Watkins. Habitats range from woodland clearings to open hillsides and moorland up to altitudes of 3000 meters. The caterpillar is black with a yellowish-white stripe down the back and a row of red spots low down along each side. The rows of spines along the back and the sides are black. Violets (Viola) are the usual foodplant. Pupation takes place on the foodplant and the pupa is suspended in a shelter of spun leaves. Butterflies are on the wing in June and July with only one generation a year.
