Size:
Wingspan is 2 1/8 - 3 inches.

Similar Species:
Aphrodite Fritillary (mountains)
Atlantis Fritillary (in the Virginias)

Habitat:
Open fields, meadows, gardens mostly moist areas with rich soil.

Range/Abundance:
Common in the mountains and uncommon in the piedmont south to Durham, NC. Rare southeast of Durham.

Flight Period:
Adults fly from mid May until mid October in one long extended brood. Males emerge 2-3 weeks before the females.

Larval Host Plants:
Violets Viola spp.

Comments:
This is the most common of the larger fritillaries seen in the mountains. Usually at lower elevations there are no other similar species.

The top photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on July 27, 2002. The second photo was taken in Durham Co., NC on August 18, 2002. The third photo was taken in Floyd Co., VA on July 04, 2003.

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