fritillary

Fritillary is a common name applied to several species of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. In temperate regions of Europe and North America, the term typically designates many related species in the genera Speyeria, Boloria, Argynnis, and others. Fritillaries are usually medium-sized with orange or amber wings and black markings; many species show a characteristic checkered pattern on the undersides of the hindwings. Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers and are commonly found in meadows, woodlands, and open countryside. The larvae typically feed on violet plants (Viola spp.) or related hosts, depending on the species.

Fritillaria is a genus of flowering plants in the lily family that is commonly referred to as fritillaries in horticulture. These bulbous perennials produce nodding or pendulous flowers that often bear a checkerboard or mottled pattern on the tepals. Species range from the small, cultivated snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) to the tall, striking crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis). They are native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and are widely grown as ornamentals in gardens. Some species require cool winters and well-drained soil; bulbs are typically planted in autumn to bloom in spring.

Etymology notes that both the plant name Fritillaria and the butterfly common name fritillary are linked to the Latin fritillus, meaning dice-box, a reference to the checkered or patterned appearance observed in some flowers and wings. The term thus reflects a shared motif of checkered coloration across the two groups.