Meadow Fritillary

Boloria bellona

The Meadow Fritillary is common butterfly throughout Wisconsin. In central Wisconsin I see this species often in barren habitat, with American Coppers. This species seems to like alighting on very light areas, and I have a numerous photos of this species sunning itself on dried grasses or reindeer moss like in the second photo.

Identifying characteristics

Above, this species is completely orange with black markings. Below the hindwing is very distinctive with a light, purplish hoariness over the outer half of this wing. Usually there are no distinct light areas near the leading edge of the wings, but occasionally there is a light area near the body on the leading edge of the hind wing.

Similar species

This species is most likely to be confused with the Frigga Fritillary because of the similar purplish sheen over the outer half of the hindwing below. The Frigga always has a light area by the leading edge and has lighter cells in the middle of the hindwing below. Above, the Frigga Fritillary is noticeably darker toward the body, while the Meadow still shows a lot of orange.

Habitat

Wet to dry meadows.

Flight

Two broods. This species can be found from early May through September. In Michigan this species has been seen on October 6.

Abundance

Found throughout the state. This species may be fairly common in an area, but usually they are seen singly. I have seen over 80 of these butterflies in a single day.

Recent Meadow Fritillary Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
May 31, 2023	Jackson	Scott and Ann Swengel
May 28, 2023	Wood	Scott and Ann Swengel
May 27, 2023	Bayfield	Scott and Ann Swengel
May 25, 2023	Juneau	Mike Reese, Jay Watson...
May 23, 2023	Iowa	Joan Braune and Tod Hi...

Locations