The Variegated Fritillary is a warm tawny-orange butterfly with an intricate mosaic of darker markings and a distinctive lack of silver spots on the hindwing below, distinguishing it from true fritillaries. It is a strong migrant, expanding northward in summer and unable to survive cold winters. Its larvae can feed on a remarkably wide range of host plants.
Best time to see a Variegated Fritillary
The best time to see a Variegated Fritillary is May–September, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 58,680 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Variegated Fritillary? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Variegated Fritillary sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Variegated Fritillary?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.