Frigga Fritillary
(Boloria frigga)
Frigga Fritillary sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeRiley Lake Wildlife Area, Price Co., WI. May 17, 2007.
The Frigga Fritillary is a northern species that is limited in distribution and habitat in Wisconsin. The Freija Fritillary may fly in the same area as the Friggaa Fritillary, but rarely at the same time. It is most likely to be seen flying with the Silver-bordered Fritillary or the Bog Fritillary and could be confused with these species only in flight.
Identifying characteristics: The Frigga Fritillary above is very similar to the other lesser fritillaries with an orange background with a variety of black spots. It is noticeably darker nearer the body, especially on the hind wing. Below it has a purplish, hoariness over the outer half of the hindwing, similar to the Meadow Fritillary, and with distinct white spots in the middle of the hindwing and on the leading edge near the body.
Similar species: This species is very similar to the Meadow Fritillary, both above and below. Below, the Meadow Fritillary rarely has a prominent basal white patch along the hindwing leading edge, and does not have a median row of lighter spots, both seen on the Frigga Fritillary. Above, the Frigga Fritillary is noticeably darker in the basal region, especially on the hindwing.
Habitat: Open bogs in northern Wisconsin.
Flight: One brood. In Michigan they have been found from May 27 to July 2. The Wisconsin DNR web site says that this species is usually found in mid-June.
Abundance: An uncommon butterfly that is seldom observed and is rarely abundant even where found in Wisconsin
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Frigga Fritillary
Boloria frigga