The Niobe Fritillary Argynnis niobe is one of several similar butterflies for which differentiation to species level may only be achieved by close examination of the markings of the underside and by comparison with authoritative reference material. Several examples of the form eris have been illustrated here feeding on Lavender Lavandula sp. . They were photographed and filmed in the Ardèche where this seems to be the predominant form of the butterfly. The typical form of this butterfly has silver partially black-edged spots on the underside of its hindwings but these are replaced by rather subtle creamy hues in form eris and this results in a very beautiful butterfly indeed. These markings may be seen most clearly on the butterfly shown in the still photographs.