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This large, graceful butterfly is one of the stunning sights to be seen in our native Oak woodlands during mid to late summer. The Silver-washed Fritillary is most conspicuous when flying or feeding in sunny woodland glades and rides. Although this butterfly loves the sun, it breeds in the cooler, shady parts of the woodland where the larval foodplant Common Dog-violet grows.
It is important to note that a small proportion of the female population have wings that are bronze-green colour, known as the form valezina.
The Silver-washed Fritillary has a restricted range in Warwickshire, being found in the Princethorpe Woodland complex centred on Ryton Wood. Woodland management has however been reinstated and the species has flourished and spread into neighbouring woodland in recent years and appears to be making a comeback due to a warmer climate.
The larvae of the Silver-washed Fritillary feed on Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana).
See maps below. Distribution text required.
Use our online recording system to submit your observations of butterflies and day-flying moths.