Atlantis Fritillary

(Speyeria atlantis)

Atlantis Fritillary sightings by week

Atlantis Fritillary sightings, by week (about)

Atlantis FritillaryClick to enlarge

2 miles NE of Goodman, off Shrine Rd., Marinette Co., WI. July 24, 2004.

Atlantis FritillaryClick to enlarge

Douglas Co., WI, August 2, 2005.

Atlantis FritillaryClick to enlarge

Douglas Co., WI, August 2, 2005.

Atlantis FritillaryClick to enlarge

2 miles NE of Goodman, off Shrine Rd., Marinette Co., WI. July 24, 2004.

The Atlantis Fritillary is a northern species that has rarely been seen in the southern two-thirds of the state. In the northernmost counties this species along with Aphrodite and Great Spangled Fritillaries provides a trio of identification fun as they fly swiftly past. When nectaring the Atlantis Fritillary is somewhat easier to identify from above than the Aphrodite or Great Spangled Fritillaries because of its darkened wing margins. In August of 2005 in Douglas County, only the Atlantis Fritillaries appeared to be somewhat fresh, while the Aphrodite Fritillaries were very worn.

Identifying characteristics: Above, the Atlantis Fritillary is orange with a variety of black markings. The wing margins are almost completely black and the males have darkened veins on the front wing giving this species a much darker look than other large Fritillaries. Below, there is a distinct lighter submarginal band that doesn’t extend as wide as the two rows of silvery spots.

Similar species: The Atlantis Fritillary is very similar to the Aphrodite Fritillary below, but the light submarginal band is wider in general in Atlantis than it is in the Aphrodite Fritillary. Above the margins of the all wings in Atlantis are nearly black, while Aphrodite Fritillaries are often not darkened except sometimes on the forewing.

Habitat: Open woodlands, woodland trails, and roadsides.

Flight: One brood. s from late June through early September.

Abundance: Common throughout the northern fourth of Wisconsin, becoming less plentiful and more widely distributed as one travels south in Wisconsin.

Recent Atlantis Fritillary Sightings

Date seenCountyReported by
08–24–2008BayfieldRyan Brady

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distribution of Atlantis Fritillary
Map key

Atlantis Fritillary
Speyeria atlantis