These exquisitely patterned butterflies are on the wing in marshes, bogs, and sedge meadows throughout Canada and the northern U.S., extending southward along the Rockies, and Appalachians. They also grace the air throughout north central Eurasia. Adults nectar in fields adjacent to their habitats and caterpillars feed on violets. Unfortunately, as noted in BugGuide, Silver-bordered Fritillary “Populations have been declining in most areas, because they aren’t able to adapt very well to changing habitats.”
Size: 35-54 mm, averaging 40 mm wingspan
Photo by: Glenn Marangelo on 8/15/21 near Condon, MT