About Melitaea didyma latonigena Eversmann, 1847
Melitaea didyma, the species this subspecies belongs to, is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 35–50 millimetres (1.4–2.0 inches). The upperside of its wings is bright orange-brown with dark brown markings arranged in rows; these markings vary considerably in quantity and size. Females sometimes have a duller orange base color shaded with grey-green. The underside of the wings is chequered pale yellow and pale orange. M. didyma shows seasonal forms and sexual dimorphism. Males have fiery red upperside wings, with a narrow toothed black distal border, and a moderate number of small black dots and spots scattered across the basal half of the wing, ending in a short band that extends beyond the cell from the costa into the disc. The underside, which has very abundant small black dots and hook-shaped markings, has a flexuose subbasal band and a curved submarginal band placed on a delicate greenish or yellowish white background. In females, the forewing and the anal area of the hindwing are much paler, and additionally dusted with blackish tones, while the costal half of the hindwing retains its red tint. The entire wings of females have much more abundant black markings, though these markings are less prominent. Occasionally, individuals can have a blue gloss on the wing upperside. This species is found in southern and central Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, central Asia, and Siberia. It is not present in northern Europe, including England, Ireland, northern France, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia. Melitaea didyma prefers flowery grassy areas, meadows, and roadsides.
