Cow Wheats Collection

Heath Fritillary (Melitaea athalia) adult, resting on Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) larval foodplant in woodland, East Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, Kent, England, June

Field Cow-wheat (Melampyrum arvense) flowering, growing in traditional cornfield, College Lake Nature Reserve, Hertfordshire, England, June

A cow-wheat / brothers and sisters - Transylvania
ROG-13683 A cow-wheat / brothers and sisters Transylvania, Romania Melampyrum biharense Bob Gibbons contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Field Cow-wheat - in grassland above Mihai Viteazu
ROG-13676 Field Cow-wheat - in grassland above Mihai Viteazu Romania Melampyrum arvense Bob Gibbons contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Crested Cow-wheat - very rare in UK
ROG-13672 Crested Cow-wheat - very rare in UK Romania Melampyrum cristatum Bob Gibbons contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

A cow-wheat (Melampyrum nemorosum), from Sweden and the Alps
ROG-12792 A cow-wheat from Sweden and the Alps Melampyrum nemorosum Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Common Cow-wheat
ME-1706 Common Cow-wheat Melampyrum pratense Johan De Meester Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Wood Cow-wheat
ME-1726 Wood Cow-wheat Melampyrum nemorosum Johan De Meester Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Black-veined White Butterfly - on Field cow-wheat (Melampyrum arv) - France
ME-1896 Black-veined White Butterfly - on Field cow-wheat (Melampyrum arv) France Aporia crataegi Johan De Meester Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

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"Cow Wheats: A Haven for Heath Fritillary Butterflies and Rare Delights" In the enchanting world of nature, the delicate beauty of the Heath Fritillary butterfly (Melitaea athalia) finds solace on its chosen larval foodplant, the Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense). With wings gracefully spread, an adult Heath Fritillary rests upon this nourishing plant, a testament to their symbiotic relationship. But it is not just the Heath Fritillaries that find refuge in these vibrant meadows. The Field Cow-wheat (Melampyrum arvense), adorned with blossoms, thrives amidst traditional cornfields at College Lake Nature Reserve. Its presence there is a rarity in the United Kingdom, making each sighting a precious gift from Mother Nature herself. Venturing further into Transylvania's picturesque landscapes reveals another captivating sight - cow-wheats standing tall together like brothers and sisters. These resilient plants create a harmonious tapestry against which other wonders unfold. Grasslands above Mihai Viteazu witness yet another variant of this remarkable species - the Field Cow-wheat. Here, amidst swaying grasses and gentle breezes, it adds its unique charm to an already breathtaking panorama. The Crested Cow-wheat stands as proof that miracles do exist within our own borders. This exceedingly rare gem graces select corners of the United Kingdom with its elegant presence - a true treasure for those fortunate enough to encounter it. Traveling beyond national boundaries takes us to Sweden and the Alps where we discover Melampyrum nemorosum – one more member of this diverse family known as cow-wheats. Its allure captivates hearts far and wide with its exquisite form and subtle hues. Let us not forget about two familiar faces among these extraordinary plants: Common Cow-wheat and Wood Cow-wheat. Their names may seem ordinary, but their contributions to the ecosystem are anything but.