Size: Up to 2.5 inch wingspan

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Key ID features:  Varies significantly among subspecies especially below. Light orange above with thin black veins, black shading near the body, black irregular lines inwardly, submarginal black spot band and black marking along margin like chain links, bolder on female.   Silver spots below show boldly through above. Below "disc" on HW ranges from light tan-brown to dark reddish brown, with large silvery-white oval spots usually with green or greenish brown caps.

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Similar species: Zerene Fritillary is larger, with silver spots not showing through above as boldly, lacks greenish caps to silver spots on disc below. 

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Host plant: Violet (Viola) species.

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Habitat: Montane canyons and roadsides, sage-steppe, pine-oak woodland openings, grasslands. 

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Range: Throughout mountainous areas of eastern and southwestern Oregon, except in Columbia River basin.

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Season: Early May to early September.

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Abundance: Common 

 

Conservation Status: Secure