Description
The Atlantis Fritillary (Argynnis atlantis) is a medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings marked by black spots and wavy lines, and silver spots on the undersides of the hindwings, typically found in boreal forests, meadows, and upland habitats across northern and mountainous regions of North America.
Range
Northern half of the state and gets more common the farther north. Look for swarms of them on scat along trails and gravel roads near wetlands.
Similar Species
Great Spangled Fritillary and Aphrodite Fritillary are similar but the wide black margins on the forewing and hindwing usually differentiate this species.
Host Plants
Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Dog Violet (Viola conspersa), Bird’s Foot Violet (Viola pedata), Other Violet Species (Viola spp.)
Flight
June through mid-August