National Status

Mainly confined to western England and Wales, range contracting. Widespread and common in Scotland.Population trend 10 years +3%; since 1976 -58%

West Midlands Status

Limited number of colonies with highest numbers in Shropshire, overall range contracting.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats: coppice and ride-edges in ancient woodlands in Wyre; bracken and grass mosaics; and wet meadows and moorlands.

Flight Period

Late May to mid-July. Occasionally a second generation in early August, regularly in southern England, but none since 1995 in the West Midlands.

Hotspots

Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and South Shropshire Hills. Llanymynech, Cannock Chase, Wyre Forest.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) and Marsh Violet (Viola palustris).