Euphydryas aurinia

©Avelino Vieira

Description: The gregarious caterpillar hibernates in groups, in a nest built near the plant from which it feeds itself: honeysuckles (Lonicera periclymenum and Lonicera etrusca), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and pincushion flowers (Scabiosa spp.). The adult measures 30-45 mm and the female is bigger than the male. It is possible to observe this adult between March and June.

Habitat: Wet meadows and edges of fields with brambles (Rubus spp.).

Where to find in the Arouca Geopark: Paiva River (Vau, Paradinha); Mizarela (PR 7).