Photo © by Mario Maier. Araschnia levana
f.porima, Forchheim / Bavaria
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Family: Nymphalidae Subfamily: Nymphalinae |
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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.
Larval host plant:
Urtica dioica and Urtica urens.
Red List Germany: - -
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1998 - 2005 by Mario Maier
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