Size: Up to 2.75 inch wingspan

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Key ID features:  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.   Variable below depending on subspecies and location. Often with light tan-brown "disc" on HW with large silvery-white oval spots and warm tan submarginal band. Can also have pinkish/purplish hindwing below, with smaller discal spots than Hydaspe.

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Similar species: Coronis Fritillary is usually paler above and larger. Callippe Fritillary has more elongated silver spots in the disc below. Hydaspe has larger, more rounded discal spots.

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Host plant: Violet (Viola) species, varying by region of state.

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Habitat: Varies greatly by subspecies, from coastal headlands, to grassy summits, riparian areas and meadows. 

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Range: Throughout mountainous areas of eastern and southwestern Oregon.

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Season: Early June to late September.

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Abundance: Uncommon 

 

Conservation Status: Coastal subspecies S. z. hippolyta critically imperiled in OR, Federally listed as Threatened.