This study evaluates the state of the Niobe fritillary (Argynnis niobe) in Europe, both in terms of (a) current knowledge of its distributional changes and of (b) the genetics of the surviving populations. It uses mitochondrial sequences and microsatellite markers to assess the phylogeographic history of the species, and the impact of the multiple local extinctions at the same time. The data are evaluated by a standard set of methods genetics and phylogeography population and a brief synthesis including recommendations for conservation management is given.