Boloria selene
(Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Eurasian Silver-bordered Fritillary, Silver-bordered Fritillary
Boloria selene is a -sized fritillary with a trans-Eurasian and North distribution. The exhibits complex including with distinct behavioral and developmental differences between spring and summer . In Europe it is known as the small pearl-bordered fritillary; in North America it is called the silver-bordered fritillary. The species serves as a grassland indicator and has been extensively studied in the context of management including prescribed fire and grazing regimes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Boloria selene: /bɔˈlɔː.rɪ.a ˈsɛ.lɛ.neɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Boloria by the silver-colored chevron markings on the underside, which form a continuous marginal . The upperside is orange- with black markings and a row of pearl-like spots on the hindwing margin. Smaller than the pearl-bordered fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne), with more rounded margins. The silver-bordered fritillary name refers to the distinctive silvery markings on the wing borders, which are more prominent than in related species.
Images
Habitat
Wet grassland including meadows, marshes, and damp woodland clearings. In the Great Plains of North America, occurs in cattle-grazing grasslands and responds positively to -burn grazing management. In Europe, found in flower-rich grasslands along river corridors and in upland areas. Requires presence of larval (violets) in moist, grassy environments.
Distribution
Trans-Eurasian and North distribution. Present across Europe including the United , extending through European Russia and northern Asia. In North America, occurs in the northern Great Plains and adjacent regions. Documented in North Dakota grasslands and in sites along the River Tweed in Scotland.
Seasonality
with two distinct periods per year. First active in spring (emerging from overwintered ); second generation active in summer. In North Dakota, flight season occurs from June through mid-August. Protandry (earlier male ) observed in first generation but absent in second generation. Overwinters in larval stage.
Diet
feed exclusively on violets (Viola spp.). nectar on diverse floral resources including thistles (Cirsium spp.); nectaring choice is more specialized in first and more opportunistic in second generation.
Host Associations
- Viola - larval exclusive larval ; required in moist grassland
Life Cycle
with two per year and different developmental . First generation: develop directly without , producing summer . Second generation: larvae enter diapause to overwinter, resuming development in spring. Overwinters as larva. laid in late summer to early autumn for the generation.
Behavior
activity patterns differ between and sexes. Female flight activity decreases in second generation while male activity remains unchanged. Resting proportion increases in second generation for both sexes. Females exhibit higher flight distances than males and greater propensity for long-distance , particularly in second generation. First generation characterized by local growth and ; second generation adapted for dispersal and of new .
Ecological Role
Serves as an for grassland health due to complex requirements throughout . Contributes to services in grassland ecosystems. Acts as a model organism for studying effects of land management practices including prescribed fire and grazing regimes on .
Human Relevance
Subject of research examining -burn grazing and prescribed fire management in North grasslands. Used as an in restoration projects including Along the Tweed initiative in Scotland. Featured in citizen science programs and conservation education. respond positively to management that maintains habitat heterogeneity and controls woody encroachment.
Similar Taxa
- Boloria euphrosyneLarger size with more angular margins; pearl spots on less continuous than silver chevrons of B. selene
- Boloria bellonaNorth meadow fritillary with similar preferences but distinct pattern lacking continuous silver marginal
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Funding from ScottishPower Foundation helps to restore vital habitat to encourage thriving natural ecosystem - Buglife Blog - Buglife
- Do Managed Burns in Grasslands Benefit Butterflies?
- An Evening at Silent Valley - Buglife Blog - Buglife
- Figure 3: Behaviour [%] observed during the first capture event of Boloria selene for males (left) and females (right) in the first (A) and second (B) generation.