Silver-Washed Fritillary

(Argynnis paphia)

Click on any picture to view a larger version

We had never seen any member of the Fritillary family before this one arrived out of the blue in 2021, although recent distribution maps had indicated that we might. Its range seems to be spreading slowly east though so maybe it was just a matter of time. It stayed with us for several hours, circling and nectaring from a large buddleia bush in full flower and with a strong perfume which also attracted Red Admirals & Peacocks in abundance. This example is a male, identified by the striking "H" patterns on its fore-wing. The name "Silver-Washed" derives from the silvery bands on the underside of the hindwing, well seen in the second image above. Note also the moss-green shading to the bottom half of the wing and the "peacock eyes" above.

There was then an equally unexpected arrival in 2023, and this time the visitor was a female, identified by the lack of the "H" patterns on its fore-wing and with a generally less bright colouration. The silver washing is also less pronounced.