The Great Sylver Spotted Fritillary

I've never really thought that the Dark Green Fritillary was the best name for this stunning butterfly. It comes from the green hue on the underside of the hindwings. Much better, I think, is the Great Sylver Spotted Fritillary, which was its name in the first half of the 18th century. Moses Harris (1766) called it the Dark Green Fritillaria and Lewin (1795) used Silver-spotted Fritillary. In the early 19th century it was called the Queen of England Fritillary (Haworth, 1803) and the Charlotte Butterfly (Brown, 1832) both presumably a reference to Queen Charlotte (wife of George III). In France it is known as Le Grand Nacré (the large pearl). 

I was surprised to see this one as its very early in its flight season, even so you can see it has already torn one wing. It brought my species total to 26 (having also added Large Skipper earlier today). Lots of other butterflies seen on this morning's walk: Small Blue, Adonis, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Red Admiral.