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Atlantis Fritillary
Atlantis Fritillary
Scientific Name
Scientific Name
(Speyeria atlantis)
(Speyeria atlantis)
The Atlantis Fritillary is a butterfly in the Nymphalidae family. These butterflies range from the Northeastern United States westward to Colorado, and the Great Lakes region, northward to southern Canada (1, 2). In Maryland, the Atlantis Fritillary is only found in Garrett County (2, 3). This butterfly is a threatened S1 species.
Identification
Identification
Atlantis Fritillary has a wingspan of 2–2 3/4 inches. On the upper side, these butterflies are orange and brown, with black on the margins. On the under side they are mostly brown with white spots. Their hindwings will consist of many silvery spots. Males also have black outlining their scales. In Maryland, the Atlantis Fritillary is often confused with the Aphrodite Fritillary. To distinguish the two, many people look at their eyes; the Atlantis Fritillary has blue-gray eyes while the Aphrodite Fritillary has yellow-green eyes (1, 2).
Life Cycle
Life Cycle
In 1963 Atlantis Fritillaries were first recorded in Maryland. These butterflies were spotted during July in a wet meadow, flying with Aphrodite Fritillaries. The predominant flowers attracting the insects were milkweed and thistle (3). Currently, adults are reported flying during June and July in the Appalachian Plateau (4).
Photo of larva by Dave Wagner.
Habitat
Habitat
Atlantis Fritillary prefers high-elevation cold stream and river valley habitats, where it frequents wet meadows and forest openings, and mountain bogs (3, 4). Larval host plants are species in the family Violaceae, including the Northern Blue Violet (2), Sand violet, and Northern bog violet (5). Maryland is home to more than 20 different species of violets, including the common blue violet, marsh blue violet, and field pansy.
Adults are found flying in areas with Spirea, dogbane, milkweed, Mountain Laurel and Virgin's Bower (4).
Distribution in Maryland
Distribution in Maryland
Data from Maryland Biodiversity (2). Includes historical records and may overrepresent the current range of the species.
How can you help?
How can you help?
The Atlantis Fritillary is rare in Maryland. Host plants are shown below.
References
References
- Edwards, W. H. (2019, July 31). Atlantis Fritillary Speyeria atlantis (1862). Last accessed May 30, 2020, from https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Speyeria-atlantis
- Maryland Biodiversity Project. Atlantis Fritillary Speyeria atlantis (1862). Last accessed May 30, 2020, from https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=549
- Simmons, R. S. 1963. Nine new butterfly records for the state of Maryland. Journal of the Lepidopterists Society 17(2): 107-109.
- Lynn Davidson, Wildlife & Heritage Division, MD Department of Natural Resources with assistance from Richard H. Smith, Maryland Entomological Society, 31 August 2000. Recent revision and update by Richard H. Smith. EDITION: January 2014. https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/butterfliesofmaryland_biological-summary_checklist.pdf
- Scott, J. A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
© 2020 Price Lab for Entomology, Courtney Rogall
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