Silver-washed
Fritillary
Argynnis paphia
| Home | The Butterflies of Gloucestershire | Species | Habitats | Conservation |
Silver-washedFritillaryArgynnis paphia |
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| Male, 24 July 1993 | Pair, 30 July 1977 |
Habitat
The Silver-washed Fritillary is a woodland butterfly. It is more tolerant
of shady conditions than the Pearl-bordered
Fritillary, but it also needs open areas, tracks or some other
flower-rich habitat where it may often be seen taking nectar.
The larval foodplant is Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana, found in woods throughout the area.
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The female form valezina, which lacks the normal golden brown colouring, occurs less often in Gloucestershire than in more southern counties. Out of more than 750 records for the species, it was recorded on just 6 occasions. This valezina female was photographed in the Forest of Dean on 16 July 1983 |
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Conservation Issues
Small populations of this species still survive in woods which have
received little or no management for some years. Under ideal conditions
the Silver-washed Fritillary can be very numerous, particularly if there
are plenty of nectar sources in or around the wood.
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Flight PeriodIn most years, early July to late August.
DistributionIn most of the larger areas of woodland. It is commonest within the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds south of Cheltenham.
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