Silver Washed Fritillary
Argynnis paphia
Status :
Localised, becoming scarce
Wingspan : 5.6-6.5 cm
One of largest of our native Fritillaries the Silver Washed Fritillary used to be a common butterfly seen in woodland areas from late June through to mid-September, but the numbers have been steadily dropping over the past 20 years, however when they are seen in an area then large numbers can be found at any one time.
The Silver Washed Fritillary feeds predominantly on thistles and blackberry flowers. During the feeding the males will often break into complicated mating dances with the female, the female will then allow her antennae to rub the scent-scales on the males forewings, this releases a special scent that cause the male and female to mate. The eggs are layed singly on tree trunks in close proximity to the caterpillar's food plants.
The caterpillar isBlack-Brown and has two yellow-orange lines running horizontally along its back, they also have long reddish-brown spines. It is mainly nocturnal and conceals itself during the day, it feeds exclusively on types of violet .
The above photo was taken at Portumna Forrest Park, July 2007