There are several colour variations in this species depending on the locality. The main colours on the upper wings are a mosaic of reddish-orange, buff-yellow with varying amounts of brown. There are black spots inside orange marks to the rear of the upper hind wings. The under wings are the same combination but of softer shades.

Although the name suggests that it may be restricted to wet areas this is not the case as it can be seen on dry slops too, generally in grassy areas. It will rest with wings open which aids close viewing.

The caterpillars of this species grow up to 3cm. They are black with black spines and may have tiny white speckles. They will create a communal nest on foliage near to the food plant.

Family: Nymphalidae
Scientific name: Euphydryas aurinia
English common name: Marsh Fritillary
Spanish common name: Doncella de ondas rojas

Wing size: 30-46mm
Altitude: Sea level to 2200m
Flight time: April-July
Over-wintering: Caterpillar
Caterpillar food plant: Plantain, Scabious, Veronica
Distribution: Iberian peninsular and most of Europe
Similar species: Spanish Fritillary (Euphydryas desfontainii)

Butterflies of Iberia
These are included in the list of butterflies in Andalusia.
Images taken in Andalucia, Southern Spain of Euphydryas aurinia
subspecies beckeri

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