Size: Up to 3 inch wingspan

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Key ID features:  Male orange above with thin black veins, black shading near the body, black irregular lines inwardly, and bands of black spots and chevrons near wing edge.  Female striking white to cream above with similar black markings as male.  Below male has dark orange "disc" on HW with silvery-white spots and warm tan submarginal band.  Below female has dark brown disc with silvery-white spots and  tan to ivory submarginal band.

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Similar species: Female Great Spangled is unmistakable.  Male has lighter black markings above along wing edge than other greater fritillaries, and silver spots on HW disc below are much smaller in proportion to size of disc (disc looks more empty) in comparison. 

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Host plant: Violets (Viola) especially Viola glabella (stream violet).

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Habitat: Open meadows, openings in oak-pine forest, lower slopes of mountains in eastern Oregon. 

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Range: Western and southwestern Oregon, Ochoco Mtns, Blue Mtns, Wallowa Mtns, Warner Mtns, Steens Mtn, Mt Jefferson area.

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Season: Early June to early October.

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Abundance: Common 

 

Conservation Status: Secure.