Boloria polaris


Boloria polaris, the Polaris fritillary, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in northernmost Scandinavia, North America and in Greenland. It is also found in northeastern Russia. It is one of only six butterfly species found on Canada's Ellesmere Island.
The wingspan is 32–38 mm. A. polaris Bsd.. Similar to the preceding species freija, but more [variable, the hindwing beneath more variegated, the black median band of the forewing above heavy, deep black, deeply sinuous proximally. In the marginal area regular rows of submarginal spots. The forewing beneath almost as distinctly marked with black as above, but paler. On the hindwing beneath the ground is marked with mother-of-pearl in the
basal area and the narrow band which separates the central from the marginal area bears silvery teeth. —In Norway, Finland, Lapponia, in July and August. The butterfly flies from June to August depending on the location.
The exact food plants are unknown, but in Canada, larvae have been found on Vaccinium uliginosum and Dryas species.

Subspecies

The following subspecies are recognized: