Insect · GBIF taxon 1909398
Silver-washed Fritillary
Argynnis paphiaSilver-washed fritillaries are large, swift woodland butterflies recognized by their bright orange uppersides and striking silver streaks across olive-green underwings. Females lay eggs on mossy tree trunks near patches of forest violets, allowing newly hatched caterpillars to drop down and feed. Males possess prominent dark scent stripes along their forewing veins that release pheromones during elaborate airborne courtships.
WoodlandPollinatorFast Flier
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Bramble nectar
- Thistle nectar
- Violet leaves
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Spiders
- Small mammals
ThreatsWoodland clearing, overgrowth of sunny glades, cessation of traditional coppicing
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, sunny glades, forest rides, hedgerows
Life span1 year total (adults live 4–6 weeks)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyNymphalidae
- SpeciesArgynnis paphia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Finding Adults: Scan sunny bramble patches along woodland rides from July through August.
- Distinguishing Sexes: Look for four thick black scent stripes along the forewing veins of males.
- Observing Behavior: Watch females flutter low around mossy tree trunks near forest floor violets.
Host Plant 
Close Relative Harald Süpfle / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-saClose Relative
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