Frigga Fritillary

Boloria frigga

The Frigga Fritillary is a northern species that is limited in distribution and habitat in Wisconsin. The Freija Fritillary may fly in the same area as the Friggaa Fritillary, but rarely at the same time. It is most likely to be seen flying with the Silver-bordered Fritillary or the Bog Fritillary and could be confused with these species only in flight.

Identifying characteristics

The Frigga Fritillary above is very similar to the other lesser fritillaries, with an orange background with a variety of black spots. It is noticeably darker nearer the body, especially on the hind wing. Below, it has a purplish hoariness over the outer half of the hindwing, similar to the Meadow Fritillary, with distinct white spots in the middle of the hindwing and on the leading edge near the body.

Similar species

This species is very similar to the Meadow Fritillary, both above and below. Below, the Meadow Fritillary rarely has a prominent basal white patch along the hindwing leading edge, and does not have a median row of lighter spots, both seen on the Frigga Fritillary. Above, the Frigga Fritillary is noticeably darker in the basal region, especially on the hindwing.

Habitat

Bogs in northern Wisconsin.

Flight

One brood. In Michigan they have been found from May 27 to July 2. The Wisconsin DNR web site reports that this species is usually found in mid-June.

Abundance

An uncommon butterfly that is seldom sighted and is rarely abundant even where it is found in Wisconsin

Locations