Description

he Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona) is a small, orange butterfly with black spots and wavy patterns on the upper wings and a pale, cream-colored underside with faint markings, commonly found in wet meadows, fields, and open grassy areas across North America.

Range

It is found throughout the state.

Similar Species

Other lesser fritillaries but location can help. Freija, Frigga, and Bog Fritillaries are closely related to bogs but Meadow is found in a variety of locations. The underside of Meadow has a grayish tint similar to Frigga, but Frigga has much darker markings near the body above. Silver-bordered has white marks on the wing margins that Meadow lacks.

Host Plants

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Marsh Violet (Viola cucullata), Other violet species (Viola spp.)

Flight

May through September