Common NameDingy FritillarySeasonalityBiennial, flying during July of even-numbered years.IdentificationThe upperside is a smudged, brown and dull orange. The hindwing underside markings consist of a yellow-tan median band and pale whitish costal patch on purple-brown background. The small size and dull appearance distinguishes this species from other Boloria.
Our populations are subspecies nunatak (Scott 1998).
Scientific NameBoloria improbaCommon Name
Dingy Fritillary
Habitat
Moist, willow-rich alpine tundra.
Seasonality
Biennial, flying during July of even-numbered years.
Identification
The upperside is a smudged, brown and dull orange. The hindwing underside markings consist of a yellow-tan median band and pale whitish costal patch on purple-brown background. The small size and dull appearance…
The upperside is a smudged, brown and dull orange. The hindwing underside markings consist of a yellow-tan median band and pale whitish costal patch on purple-brown background. The small size and dull appearance distinguishes this species from other Boloria.
Our populations are subspecies nunatak (Scott 1998).
Life History
The immature stages are undescribed. Colonies of this butterfly tend to be very localized, and adults have a weak, ground-hugging flight.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
The larval host plants are unreported in Alberta; Dwarf willows such as Salix reticulata nivalis are used in Colorado (Scott 1986). Adults nectar at Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and yellow composites in Alberta (Bird…
The larval host plants are unreported in Alberta; Dwarf willows such as Salix reticulata nivalis are used in Colorado (Scott 1986). Adults nectar at Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and yellow composites in Alberta (Bird et al. 1995).
Range
Alaska to Baffin Island, south to west-central Alberta. Isolated populations occur in Wyoming and Colorado. Also found in Scandinavia and Siberia (Scott 1986).
Citation
Page Citation for Boloria improba
Page Citation
"Species Details - Boloria improba, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2797. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
References
AuthorBird, C. D., G.J. Hilchie, N.G. Kondla, E.M. Pike and F. A. H. Sperling
TitleAlberta Butterflies
Publication Date1995
Pages349
AuthorScott, J.A.
TitleNew western North American butterflies.
Publication Date1998
Series TitlePapilio (New Series)
Volume11
Pages1-12
AuthorScott, J. A.
TitleThe Butterflies of North America : a natural history and field guide
Publication Date1986
Pages583 pp.
Specimen Information
There are 8 specimens of this Species.
8 results plotted on map in 6 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.