Fritillary is the name given to a group of medium-sized butterflies with orange-and-brown coloring. Fritillaries are strong fliers. They live in grassland and woodland habitats. Their larvae feed on a wide range of plants, including violets and plantains (a kind of banana). One of the largest species, the silver-washed fritillary, has a wingspan of 21/2 inches (6 centimeters). This butterfly lives throughout much of Europe and Asia. It often feeds on the nectar of flowers from bramble plants. The Queen of Spain fritillary is another widespread species. It has a beautiful patchwork of silver spots on the underside of its hind wing.
