Silver-washed Fritillary
Argynnis paphia
The Silver-washed Fritillary is a large, orange butterfly with black spots on the upperwings. It is known for its powerful flight and the distinctive silver streaks on the underside of the hindwings. The species prefers sunny forest edges, clearings, and near-natural mixed forests with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers.
Details
Identification
Silver streaks on the hindwing underside (no pearly spots), wingspan 54-70 mm, males with distinct scent-scale stripes.
Social behavior
Solitary; males exhibit distinct patrolling behavior to locate mates.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar (especially brambles, thistles, hemp-agrimony); caterpillars feed exclusively on violets (Viola spp.).
Spawning substrate
Tree bark (eggs are laid in crevices of trunks near violet patches).
Overwintering
Overwintering as a first-instar larva (L1) in the bark crevices of tree trunks.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important pollinator in forest ecosystems and prey for birds and insectivores.
Natural predators
Birds, spiders, hornets, robber flies.
Competitor species
Other fritillary species during nectar foraging.
Ecosystem service
Pollination of wild plants at forest edges.
Threats
Loss of open woodland structures, intensive forestry, nitrogen deposition in forest soils.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Largest Central European fritillary of the genus Argynnis. A definitive feature is the silver streaks (not round spots) on the hindwing underside. Males exhibit scent scale stripes along veins V1 to V4.