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Species of butterfly From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Melitaea phoebe, also known as the knapweed fritillary,[1] is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.[2] It is found in the Palearctic realm, including most of Europe and North Africa, excluding the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. Previously, it also included Melitaea telona, which was recently revalidated as a distinct cryptic species[citation needed].
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Knapweed fritillary[1] | |
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Male | |
Female | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Lepidoptera |
Family: | Nymphalidae |
Genus: | Melitaea |
Species: | M. phoebe |
Binomial name | |
Melitaea phoebe | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Papilio phoebe Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775 |
This section may require copy editing. (March 2024) |
Melitaea phoebe has a wingspan of approximately 34–50 mm. Their forewings are more pointed than Melitaea telona, but equally variable in both color and distinctive markings. The black markings are typically joined, and can sometimes cover majority of the wing. However, in some cases, the black markings can be markedly reduced. A characteristic feature of this species is the reddish-yellow submarginal lunate spot situated between the two median veins that reaches with its vertex considerably farther into the disc than the other yellow lunate spots. This is especially the case on the forewing, but also on the hindwing. The submarginal lunule between the 1 and 2 median veins projects farther basal than the others of the same row.[3] Wheeler (1903) gives a short description.[4]
M. phoebe is active from April to September, depending on the location. The larvae feed on Plantago and Centaurea species (including Centaurea jacea).[citation needed]
M. phoebe is present in Europe, except in the northern regions such as England, Ireland, Northern France, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia. It is also found in North Africa (Morocco and Algeria), Turkey, Siberia, and Central Asia (Mongolia and China)[citation needed].
M. phoebe live in flowery meadows[5].
Named in the classical tradition. Phoebe is - in Greek mythology - one of the first generation of Titans, who were one set of sons and daughters of Uranus and Gaia.[citation needed]
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