Argynnini is a tribe of colorful and variable nymphalid butterflies. Most are orange with black speckles and silver spots. They have a very brisk flight, usually rather straight, and close to the ground. They are largely a grassland and bog species, but several occupy woodland areas. Fritillary comes from the Latin root meaning "dice box." 

In the areas of eastern North America there are 6 known Greater Fritillaries in the genus Argynnis. Greater Fritillaries are the largest of the group. They are always bivoltine and feed on Violets and Pansies as larvae. These butterflies share many of the same traits as their Regal cousins including behavior and lifecycle, but none are quite as imperiled. Although, most of them all have the similar habitat needs and have declined due to excessive habitat loss. 

Identification can be challenging anywhere but it is especially difficult in the inner mountain West. Compare the species listed below.  

Great Spangled Fritillary (Argynnis cybele) 3.5-4 in wingspan 

This species is by far the most abundant and widespread Fritillary in the country. Its range includes parts of California all the way into Maine. They fly from May to September in most places. Males are slightly smaller and lighter colored compared to females. There are many different subspecies and geographical differences with this butterfly. There is even a rare yellowish-brown subspecies discovered in the mid 1900s labeled the Krautwurm's Fritillary. 

Key Identifier: Both genders have a conspicuous cream band on the ventral hindwing.   

Aphrodite Fritillary (Argynnis aphrodite) 3-3.5 in wingspan 

A relatively abundant Fritillary of the Midwestern prairies. Similar to the Regal Fritillary, this species has receded from much of the East due to a loss of high-quality prairies. Eight subspecies exist in North America. The aphrodite subspecies is generally more common and has a conspicuous cream zigzag on the ventral hindwing. Alcestis is more oriented to the tall-grass prairies of the Midwest. 

Key Identifier: A lack of brown on the inner wing helps distinguish them from Great Spangled. They also have a single row of black orbs running down the wing margins of the dorsal sides. The ventral side is also much more red. Underside resembles a A. idalia. 

Atlantis Fritillary (Argynnis atlantis) 2.8-3 in wingspan 

This striking Fritillary is the smallest Argynnis in our area and the only one with an affinity for Boreal Northwoods. They are generally restricted to the northern Great Plains, Great Lake Region, West Virginia, and New England. Adults typically have shorter flight periods compared to Fritillaries in the South. 

Key Identifier: The conspicuous silvery eyes are perhaps the easiest way to tell them apart from Great Spangled and Aphrodite. The habitat, size, and location also help. 

Edward's Fritillary (Argynnis edwardsii) 3.25-3.75 in wingspan 

This wonderful species is found across the American and Canadian West. It has just a small range in the American East which includes the badlands of Dakota and Nebraska. Adults fly from June to September and have a life cycle very similar to other Greater Fritillaries. 

Key Identifier: While the Edward's have silver eyes like Atlantis, they are noticeably larger and different. Other species such as Callippe and Coronis Fritillaries closely resemble Edward's, but they are rarely found east of far-western Nebraska. 

Credit to Nick Block for both images. 

Diana Fritillary (Argynnis diana) 3.5-4.75 in 

This striking species is the largest Fritillary and an inhabitant of southeastern montane regions. It also has the most conspicuous manifestation of sexual dimorphism as females are large and black and males are orange. Read more about this species under the "OTHER LEPS." 

Images are credited to Roy Cohutta.