Silver-washed Fritillary

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Argynnis paphia

Common in woody valleys throughout England & Wales.

The Caterpillar is black brown with two yellow lines along its back and long reddish-brown spines.

The Larvae feeds on Violets.

 It has a wingspan of 54–70 mm, with the Male's being smaller and paler than the Female's.

The underside is green (verdigris) with a metallic gloss and broad silver bands which are partly curved, hence the name silver-washed.

In the Male the forewings are rather pointed whereas in the Female they are more rounded.

The Male possesses scent scales on the upperside of the forewing that run along veins one to four as three distinct scent-streaks. 

Flight period is July & August.