Atlantis Fritillary

Speyeria atlantis

The Atlantis Fritillary is a northern species that has rarely been seen in the southern two-thirds of the state. In the northernmost counties this species, the Aphrodite, and the Great Spangled Fritillary provide a difficult to identify trio as they fly swiftly past. When nectaring the Atlantis Fritillary is somewhat easier to identify from above than the Aphrodite or Great Spangled Fritillaries because of its darkened wing margins.

Identifying characteristics

Above, the Atlantis Fritillary is orange with a variety of black markings. The wing margins are almost completely black, and the males have darkened veins on the front wing giving this species a much darker look than other large Fritillaries. Below, there is a distinct lighter submarginal band that doesn’t extend as wide as the two rows of silvery spots.

Similar species

The Atlantis Fritillary is very similar to the Aphrodite Fritillary below, but the light submarginal band is wider in general in Atlantis than it is in the Aphrodite. Above, the margins of the all wings in Atlantis are nearly black, while Aphrodite Fritillaries are often not darkened except at times on the forewing.

Habitat

Open woodlands, woodland trails, and roadsides.

Flight

One brood, from late June through early September.

Abundance

Common throughout the northern quarter of Wisconsin, becoming less common and abundant as one travels south.

Early Atlantis Fritillary Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Jun 11, 2012	Forest	Mike Reese
Jun 13, 2012	Price	Douglas Buege
Jun 13, 2012	Marathon	Mary Backus
Jun 14, 2021	Douglas	Scott and Ann Swengel
Jun 14, 2020	Douglas	Jessica Gorzo & Paul S...

Locations