Araschnia levana, f. levana (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Map Butterfly - Spring Form


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Photo © by Mario Maier. Araschnia levana, May 1990, Pottenstein / Bavaria

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pointer.gif (1285 Byte) Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
plate levana

Description:
This butterfly owes its English name to the map-like figures on the undersides of the wings. The differences between the first and the latter broods are quite remarkable (seasonal dimorphism). These differences are linked to the differences in temperature and duration of daylight to which the pupae are exposed in winter/spring and in summer. The upper sides of the wings of the first brood are brownish orange with black markings, while those of the second brood are dark brown with white discal bands. There are also intermediate forms (f.porima).

Flight period:
Generally two, sometimes three broods from April to September. The spring form from April to June.

Larval host plant:
Urtica dioica and Urtica urens.

Red List Germany: - -


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