Description

The Arctic Fritillary (Boloria chariclea) is a small to medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings marked by intricate black spots and wavy lines, typically found in tundra, alpine meadows, and other cold, open habitats across the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. This is not a common species in Minnesota. I’ve only seen it once, at Sax Zim Bog. The first picture is from Colorado.

Range

Restricted to the northeast part of the state.

Similar Species

Meadow Fritillary, Bog Fritillary, Silver-bordered Fritillary are similar and can be found in similar habitats. Arctic has a row of white spots on the hindwing below that is distinctive.

Host Plants

Willows (Salix spp.) – especially dwarf species, Possibly Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

Flight

Can usually be found flying in July and August.