Map

Wingspan 31-42 mm. Normally flies in 2 generationsgeneration A butterfly flies in 2 generations when the year’s first newly emerged adults (1st generation) bring a new “brood” (“children”) capable of flight into the world in the same year. With 3 generations there are “grandchildren” as well in the same year. The number of generations determines in how many months of the year we can see the butterfly.×: an orange 1st generation in May–June (f. levana) and a dark 2nd generation in July–August (f. prorsa). An intermediate form is seen now and then (f. porima). In warm spells a 3rd generation often appears in September–October. Flies elegantly in the woodland clearings of the plantation. Visits Dandelions in spring and Thistles and Hemp-agrimony in summer, among other flowers. The eggs are laid on Nettles, and the last generation overwinters as a pupa.