Fauna
Insect

Lappland Fritillary

Boloria freija

Also known as Freija Fritillary, Zigzag Fritillary

Freija fritillaries range across cold arctic tundra and boreal peat bogs, fluttering low over moss and dwarf shrubs on sunny summer days. Their hindwings feature an intricate underside pattern of zig-zag white bands, black-bordered spots, and a distinctive central arrow-shaped marking. Caterpillars feed on tundra plants like cloudberry and bearberry, often taking up to two years to complete development in harsh northern climates.

CircumborealArcticPollinator
Lappland Fritillary reference
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—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyNectar from tundra wildflowers, Cloudberry foliage, Bearberry foliage
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Spiders
  • Dragonflies
ThreatsClimate change, peatland degradation, and loss of specialized bog habitat near southern distribution edges
HabitatsSubarctic peat bogs, alpine tundra, high-latitude open pine woods, and northern heathlands
Life span1–2 years (including multi-year larval overwintering); adults live 2–4 weeks
Classification
  1. FamilyNymphalidae
  2. SpeciesBoloria freija
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Location: Search open sunny bogs, heathlands, and arctic tundra during early summer flight periods.
  • Approach: Move slowly when adults land on low vegetation, dwarf shrubs, or damp soil to bask.
  • Identification: Inspect the underside hindwing for bold white zig-zag bands and central arrowhead marks.
Related species
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