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Silver-washed Fritillary

Argynnis paphia

The Silver-washed Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly with orange wings and black spots. They love to flutter around flowers and are often seen in sunny places during the summer.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Silver-washed Fritillary has vibrant orange-brown wings adorned with distinct black spots and markings. Its most unique feature is the beautiful silvery-green sheen found on the underside of its hindwings, which makes it easily distinguishable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusArgynnis
Silver-washed Fritillary
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Silver-washed Fritillary

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its caterpillar looks like a furry, black, spiky creature, totally unlike the adult butterfly!

Males perform an aerial 'love dance' in flight, chasing females through woodland clearings! Wow!

Some female Silver-washed Fritillaries have a special dark 'valezina' form, making them unique!

These butterflies taste flowers with their feet to decide which ones have the best nectar!

Special abilities

Ability

Silvery Underwing Camouflage

The Silver-washed Fritillary has a silvery-green underside that helps them blend into leaves when resting.

Ability

Nectar-Sipping Proboscis

Silver-washed Fritillaries can unfurl a long, straw-like proboscis to sip sweet nectar from deep inside flowers.

Ability

Scenty Courtship Dance

Male fritillaries use special wing scales to release pheromones, helping them find and attract females for mating.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
55-70 mm
Size
25-35 mm
Lifespan
15-30 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Silver-washed Fritillaries sip flower nectar; their caterpillars munch on violet leaves.

Age differences: Larvae eat violet leaves, while adults drink nectar from a variety of flowers.

Primary Foods

  • nectar (bramble)
  • nectar (thistle)
  • nectar (knapweed)
  • violet leaves (larvae)

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Silver-washed Fritillary Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Silver-washed Fritillary's wingspan?

55-70 mm

How big is Silver-washed Fritillary?

25-35 mm

How long does Silver-washed Fritillary live?

15-30 days

How fast can Silver-washed Fritillary fly?

15 km/h

What does Silver-washed Fritillary eat?

Adult Silver-washed Fritillaries sip flower nectar; their caterpillars munch on violet leaves.

Where is Silver-washed Fritillary usually found?

Forests

How does Silver-washed Fritillary hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Silver-washed Fritillary have?

6

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Where to spot

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