Species Action Framework
Species for conservation action
PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY
Species Background
The pearl-bordered fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) is a pale, orange-brown butterfly with black spots and wingspan 38-46 mm. The underside is paler with reddish-brown hindwings featuring pearly, silver spots. The caterpillar is about 2.5 cm long and has a black body with black, yellow or white spines along the back.
Why is this on the Species Action List?
The pearl-bordered fritillary satisfies criterion 1a of the Species Action Framework, as a species for conservation action. It has declined rapidly across the UK, and Scotland is now the major stronghold. Although still relatively widespread in the UK, most colonies are small and vulnerable to changing management. There is sufficient information on the species to guide suitable management action, and the management required would benefit other species which favour woodland glades, coppiced woodland etc. It is a UKBAP Priority Species and is included on the Scottish Biodiversity List (butterflies, as a group, are also included on the Scottish Biodiversity List as a recent social survey identified them to be amongst the top ten most important species as judged by the Scottish public). It is also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended.
Habitat, distribution and abundance
The pearl-bordered fritillary is found in dry, sheltered open areas,
either in clearings between trees or on woodland edges. These habitat
patches include young tree plantations, coppiced woodland, rides and
corridors along pylon lines where the vegetation comprise a mosaic of
bracken amongst mainly acidic grasses and spring woodland herbs such as
bugle, the butterfly’s main nectar source. Despite having been
lost from a significant part of its former range, the butterfly remains
abundant at localities in north-west England and the glens of
central-north Scotland (Highland, Argyll, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and
Moray). It is widespread from western Europe to Asia although there is
evidence of a decline in many countries.
The main larval food plant is the common dog violet, although in
Scotland the marsh violet is sometimes utilized. Marking studies have
demonstrated that the pearl-bordered fritillary has low mobility, with
the majority of individuals dispersing less than 1km during their
lifetime.
History of decline, contributory factors and current threats
The pearl-bordered fritillary was formerly widespread throughout much of Britain, but it is now extinct over large parts of its former range. The main threats are loss of clearings and canopy gaps, cessation of grazing on unimproved grassland and abandonment of traditional bracken and gorse management. Open woodland sites that have been targeted for woodland improvement schemes may be threatened in the long-term. Locally schemes involving deer culling, fencing to exclude stock and deer, or bracken spraying are causes for concern because they may lead to loss of open areas in woodlands. Improved pastures, abandonment of grazing or overgrazing by sheep are also potential threats to the habitat.
Action up to April 2007 and partners involved
Butterfly Conservation is the UKBAP Lead Partner for the species and is
involved in organising surveys and the recruiting and training of
volunteer surveyors. It has also produced an advice note which includes
management information aimed at guiding land managers. Butterfly
Conservation’s first Scottish nature reserve, Allt Mhuic at Loch
Arkaig, which was opened in 2003, is managed for pearl-bordered
fritillary. There is one SSSI for which the species is a notified
feature and where the aim is to manage the habitat to ensure the
condition of the butterfly is favourable. The main partners involved
include Butterfly Conservation, FCS, SG and local land owners.
Other web-based key sources of information:
Distribution data from the NBN (National Biodiversity Network)
(Note that not all records may be shown, and records from areas where the species no longer occurs may also be given)
Publications
Websites of partners who have approved the SAF implementation plan
To find out about other species on the Species Action List, click on the icons below, and follow the links.
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