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Silver-washed fritillary

Silver-washed fritillary

Argynnis paphia

A species of Argynnis

The silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is a beautiful, orange butterfly that is covered in black spots. It earns the "silver-washed" portion of its name through silver streaks you can find running along with it. It produces a scent using "scales" that allows it to distinguish itself when females are trying to locate it.

General Info About Silver-washed fritillary
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Attributes of Silver-washed fritillary
Colors
Brown
Orange
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers like thistles (cirsium and carduus species), brambles (rubus fruticosus), and thyme (thymus species)
Larva Food Source
Violets (violaceae), specifically species such as viola reichenbachiana and viola riviniana
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Silver-washed fritillary is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Silver-washed fritillary is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Silver-washed fritillary feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Silver-washed fritillary
It is a common and variable butterfly found over much of the Palaearctic ecozone – Algeria, Europe, temperate Asia and Japan.
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Distribution Area of Silver-washed fritillary
Much of the Palearctic realm
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Appearance of Silver-washed fritillary
The silver-washed fritillary butterfly is deep orange with black spots on the upperside of its wings, and has a wingspan of 5 - 7 cm, with the male being smaller and paler than the female. The underside is green, and, unlike other fritillaries, has silver streaks instead of silver spots, hence the name silver-washed. The caterpillar is black brown with two yellow lines along its back and long reddish-brown spines.
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How to Identify Silver-washed fritillary?

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Life Cycle of Silver-washed fritillary
Egg The egg stage is the beginning of the silver-washed fritillary's life cycle. Eggs are typically laid on host plants and are small, oval, and sometimes colorful, depending on species.
Larva As larvae, silver-washed fritillarys are caterpillars which consume large amounts of foliage. Their primary focus is to eat and grow, molting multiple times and increasing in size with each stage, known as instars.
Pupal Transitioning into the pupal stage, silver-washed fritillarys encase themselves in a chrysalis, undergoing significant transformation. Within this stage, the silver-washed fritillary's tissues are reorganized, developing adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult silver-washed fritillary's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Silver-washed fritillary
5 - 7 cm
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Predators of Silver-washed fritillary Larvae
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, other insects
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Predators of Adult Silver-washed fritillary
Birds, rodents, ants, wasps, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Silver-washed fritillary
Adult silver-washed fritillary exhibit a dazzling 'fritillary dance' during courtship, involving rapid wing flutters that create a shimmering effect in sunlight.
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Scientific Classification of Silver-washed fritillary
Tips for Finding Silver-washed fritillary
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Youth Habitat of Silver-washed fritillary
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Silver-washed fritillary
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Silver-washed fritillary
People do not commonly use trap food to find silver-washed fritillary; rather, they track silver-washed fritillary by recognizing the habitats and plant hosts of the larvae and adults.
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Habitat Preferences of Silver-washed fritillary Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of silver-washed fritillary are typically laid on the leaves of violets, which are found in shady woodland areas. Caterpillars reside and feed on the host plants often hidden during the day to avoid predators, requiring a thorough search through the undergrowth. Chrysalides can be located in more concealed areas such as tree trunks or fallen logs, requiring careful examination for successful observation. Adults prefer sunlit glades and edges of woodlands where they can be observed nectaring on thistle or bramble flowers, so seeking these environments is the best strategy for encountering them during their flying stage.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Silver-washed fritillary
The best time to find adult silver-washed fritillary is typically during warm, sunny days when they are most active, especially in late morning and early afternoon. The time of year will vary depending on the local climate, but is generally during their flight season which is often in spring and summer.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Silver-washed fritillary
Suitable weather conditions for finding silver-washed fritillary would be warm and sunny with little to no wind. Silver-washed fritillary are less likely to be active during cold, rainy, or overly windy conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Silver-washed fritillary at Different Life Stages
Egg Silver-washed fritillary eggs can be found on the host plants, often on the underside of leaves. Look for small, rounded or oval eggs attached to the foliage.
Larva Silver-washed fritillary larvae, or caterpillars, can be found by searching the host plants that the female butterflies lay their eggs on. These caterpillars often have specific host plants which they feed on, so identifying these plants can help locate silver-washed fritillary larvae.
Pupal Silver-washed fritillary chrysalis can be found near the larval food plants, often attached to stems or leaves. They can also be attached to nearby structures, so inspecting the vicinity of known food plants can lead to finding a silver-washed fritillary in this stage.
Adult Adult silver-washed fritillary can be found in areas abundant in nectar sources, such as flowering meadows, edges of forests, and gardens. They are often seen flying or feeding on flowers, making them easier to spot. Observing and identifying common flowers and plants that attract silver-washed fritillary can increase the chances of an encounter.
Are Silver-washed fritillary harmful?
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Usually, the silver-washed fritillary won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Silver-washed fritillary harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Silver-washed fritillary
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Violet
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Silver-washed fritillary is an efficient pollinator, often seen flitting among Asteraceae and violets. It is attracted to the vibrant colors of these flowers. The pollen, rich in nutrients, is consumed directly by silver-washed fritillary, facilitating pollination in the process.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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