Mormon Fritillary
Argynnis mormonia (Boisduval, 1869)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Very rare resident
NENHP Rank: S1, Tier 2
Range: The Mormon Fritillary is a resident in western North America from southern Alaska south into portions of Arizona and New Mexico. In Nebraska it has been found in the northern Panhandle.
Larval Hostplant(s): Violets (Viola sp.)
Broods/Flight Times: There is one flight reported from 16 June to 16 August in Nebraska.
Overwintering: As unfed larvae.
Habitat: Forest openings and prairie meadows.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 2 3/8 inches
Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA
Similar Species: Coronis Fritillary
Notes: Merritt Cary reported “frequent examples” of this species in July of 1901, but in the 100+ years following it has been recorded only four times, always as single specimens, the most recent being in 1985 by Steve Spomer in Sowbelly Canyon.
Mormon Fritillary, Santa Fe Co. NM, Steve Cary
