The Silver-washed Fritillary – Butterfly of the year 2022
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Native to mixed forests
The Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is a diurnal butterfly belonging to the Nymphalidae family. It was chosen as Butterfly of the Year 2022 by the Association of Rhenish-Westphalian Lepidopterologists (butterfly experts) and the BUND NRW Nature Conservation Foundation.
With a wingspan of up to 6.5 cm, the Silver-washed Fritillary is the largest fritillary in Central Europe. The species is still widespread across Europe and temperate Asia, extending as far as Japan. It inhabits species-rich, near-natural, sunny mixed forests with abundant flowering plants. Although it is not currently considered endangered, there is no reason for complacency. Its habitats are becoming increasingly smaller, and unfortunately, a long-term decline in its population is to be expected.
Selective about breeding sites
The Silver-washed Fritillary produces one generation per year, flying during the summer from June to September. Females have very specific requirements when it comes to laying their eggs and choose only trees located near violets, as these plants will later serve as the caterpillars’ main food source. The eggs are laid at a low height in the bark of these trees.
The caterpillars hatch in late summer and initially eat their own eggshells. They then overwinter in the bark of the tree until spring, when they crawl down and feed on violet leaves. In early summer, the caterpillars pupate, and depending on the weather, the adult butterflies emerge from June onwards.
Orange beauties
The males of the fritillary species have bright orange upperwings with brown spots and broad, dark stripes known as androconial scent scales. Females, on the other hand, are somewhat less brightly colored and slightly more greenish, with more prominent spots instead of the scent scale stripes.
The undersides of the butterflies’ wings are also relatively pale and grayish-green, with a silvery shimmering band. This feature is also the origin of the butterfly’s other German common name, “Silberstrich” (“silver stripe”). The Silver-washed Fritillary is therefore one of the most beautiful and striking diurnal butterflies of summer.