The High Brown Fritillary is a large orange butterfly with intricate black markings.  They depend on the presence of the Dog Violet, another species which can be found on Brimpts Farm. Female High Brown Fritillaries lay their eggs on leaf litter – often dead bracken leaves. They spend the Winter in this state before hatching in early Spring to feed on the leaves of nearby Dog Violets. The spiny brown caterpillars are perfectly camouflaged by dead bracken fronds which they often use as sun bathing spots. After a couple of months, around June time, they pupate into the adult butterfly.

Adult High Brown Fritillaries have a fast powerful flight, often seen rushing over the tops of bracken and other low vegetation. They are quite tricky to identify from other fritillaries and can best be distinguished by the row of red-brown spots on underside of their hind wing . The High Brown Fritillary is the most endangered butterfly in Britain but they can be seen along the Dart Valley during June and July thanks in part to active conservation efforts including conservation grazing by Dartmoor ponies and cows.