About Melitaea deione (Geyer, 1832)
Although Melitaea deione is very similar to Melitaea athalia, this southwestern European form is treated as a separate species. One key distinguishing feature is its more elongated wings. Additionally, M. deione is not identical to forms of M. athalia found in southern France and Spain. In terms of wing markings, M. deione more closely resembles M. athalia, while its colouring is more similar to Melitaea parthenie. In female individuals, the reddish yellow median band on the wing upperside is slightly paler, creating two contrasting shades of reddish yellow. The wing underside is nearly identical to that of M. parthenie. Like in M. parthenie, the light bands on the hindwing are not silvery and are not divided by a black line. Individuals from the same location vary so greatly that some specimens might be grouped with M. parthenie and others with M. athalia. It is possible that future research will confirm this insect is a local or seasonal form of one of its close relatives.
