Melitaea phoebe, also known as the Knapweed fritillary, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.[1] It is found in the Palearctic realm, except the northernmost locations. Previously it also included Melitaea telona which was recently revalidated as a distinct cryptic species.
Melitaea phoebe's wingspan is 34–50 mm. The largest Melitaea of the Old World, at least certain of its forms. The forewing is much more pointed than in the previous species; equally variable in both colour and distinctness of markings. The black markings are usually united, in some cases even covering nearly the whole wing, but in other cases may be strongly 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.[2] Wheeler (1903) gives a short description.[3]
The butterfly flies from April to September depending on the location. The larvae feed on Plantago and Centaurea species (including Centaurea jacea).
M. phoebe is present in Europe, except in the northern part: England, Ireland, Northern France, Germany, Poland and Scandinavia. It is also found in North Africa (Morocco and Algeria),Turkey, Siberia and Center Asia (Mongolia and China).
The Knapweed fritillary lives in the flowery meadows.
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.