Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Common NameSmall Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Scientific NameBoloria selene
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown, white
HabitatDamp meadows, fens, bogs, marshy grasslands, woodland clearings
Geographic RangePalearctic region (Europe, Asia) and North America (Canada, northern US)
Host PlantsViola palustris, Viola riviniana, Viola canina
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on or near host plants (violets). Larvae are dark, spiny, and feed on violet leaves, overwintering as small larvae before pupating in a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the prominent row of silvery 'pearls' on the underside of the hindwing, contrasting with the more yellowish-white spots of the similar Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne).
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with an orange-brown upperside heavily marked with black spots and lines. The underside of the hindwing features a distinctive row of prominent silvery-white 'pearls' against a reddish-brown and yellow-orange background.
