Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia

Male. The dark lines on the forewing make males of this species easy to distinguish.
Male. The dark lines on the forewing make males of this species easy to distinguish.
Female. Can be confused with Dark Green Fritillary
Female. Can be confused with Dark Green Fritillary
Male underside
Male underside
Female of the form <i>valezina</i>
Female of the form valezina
Male underside
Male underside
Adult peering down from ride-side tree. A frequent experience!
Adult peering down from ride-side tree. A frequent experience!
 
Information

Red List status: Least Concern
NERC Act S41: Not listed
Local status: Established in the county over the last 20 years and is now widespread. In 2006 there was a large influx from outside the county, possibly combined with local breeding success.
Size: Large.
Larval foodplant: Violets
No. of broods: One
Flight time(s): Late June to late August
Average first date: 26th June
Average last date: 22nd August
Winter: Larva hibernate after hatching
Habits: Males relentlessly patrol looking for females, pausing only briefly for nectar. Females are more secretive and are less often seen. A small percentage of the females are of the dark valezina form which in flight looks very dark and like a different species. Eggs are laid 1-2m up a tree, from where the larvae descend to the ground in the spring to eat violets.
Habitats: Woodlands with a semi-open canopy with dappled shade and sunny rides or glades. May be found wandering anywhere, occasionally in gardens.
Take care to distinguish from Dark Green Fritillary.
Distribution: