Silver-washed Fritillary vs Great Spangled Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silver-washed Fritillary Great Spangled Fritillary
Scientific Name Argynnis paphia Speyeria cybele
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Nymphalidae
Size 54-70 mm wingspan 62-88 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.

Great Spangled Fritillary

Large orange butterfly with heavy black markings and silver spots on the hindwing underside. Common across much of North America.

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Did You Know?

Newly hatched caterpillars do not eat until the following spring after overwintering.