About Mellicta britomartis (Assmann, 1847)
Scientific name: Mellicta britomartis (Assmann, 1847). Although Mellicta britomartis connects with the nymotypical form of Melitaea aurelia through all intergradations, it is easily distinguishable by its overall appearance. The black markings on its upper side are arranged more regularly, and the reddish-yellow spots within this black network differ less in size from each other; spots in the same row are usually equal in size. In contrast, a row in nymotypical M. aurelia mostly holds quite small ground-colour spots alongside large ones, and other spots disappear entirely. The colour and shape of the larva provides a reliable way to distinguish between M. britomartis and M. aurelia.
