Host plants:
The larvae feed on Bartsia alpina and Pedicularis lapponica, perhaps also other Scropulariaceae (=Plantaginaceae).
Habitat:
Euphydryas iduna inhabits humid or dry tundra and mountain slopes up to 800m, In is usually very local and often restricted to small places, but can be abundant in some years.
Life cycle:
The adults occur early in the year: June and early July, more rarely still in mid-July. The males are elegant fliers and chase other butterflies in their territory. The eggs are deposited in batches. The larvae hibernate at least twice.
Remarks:
Euphydryas iduna occurs from Lapland to NE-Asia. In Asia there are some populations in high mountains south of the Arctic main distribution (e.g. Caucasus, Altai).