fritillary

Hydaspe fritillary An adult Hydaspe fritillary butterfly (Speyeria hydaspe) resting on a leaf near a trail at Thornton Lakes, North Cascades National Park, Washington, U.S.
Gulf fritillary
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Gulf fritillaryGulf fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae).
Larval Gulf fritillary
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Larval Gulf fritillary A harmless Gulf fritillary caterpillar (Agraulis vanillae) in Florida.

fritillary, name applied to butterflies in several genera (family Nymphalidae). Large fritillaries, or silverspots, belong to the genus Speyeria and usually have silver markings on the underside of their wings. Many of the smaller fritillaries are members of the genus Boloria. Many fritillary larvae are nocturnal and feed on violet leaves.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
Citation Information
Article Title: fritillary
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 18 July 2025
Access Date: November 14, 2026