Melissa Arctic vs Silver-washed Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melissa Arctic | Silver-washed Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oeneis melissa | Argynnis paphia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm wingspan | 54-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Arctic and subarctic North America, Rocky Mountain alpine zones | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Melissa Arctic
A gray-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small blind eyespots. The hindwing underside features dark, bark-like striations for camouflage. It has an erratic, bouncing flight that makes it hard to track.
Did You Know?
Populations on isolated mountain peaks are considered glacial relicts, stranded since the last Ice Age when the tundra receded northward.
Silver-washed Fritillary
A large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with black spots and streaks. The hindwing underside has distinctive silvery-green washed streaks.
Did You Know?
Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.