Phengaris arion

Phengaris arion, commonly known as the marsh fritillary butterfly, is a rare and striking species found in Europe. It has distinctive orange and black patterned wings and relies heavily on specific habitats like grasslands and marshes. Its caterpillars have a unique relationship with certain host plants and ants; they initially feed on a specific butterfly’s host plant, then are adopted by ants for protection and nurturing. This intricate relationship makes the marsh fritillary sensitive to habitat loss and environmental changes, earning it status as a species of conservation concern across many regions.