Silver-bordered fritillary

The Silver-bordered fritillary (Boloria selene) is a butterfly species within the order Lepidoptera and the family Nymphalidae. While typically classified as a meadow-dwelling species, it can occasionally act as a pest in commercial plant nurseries or floral production sites.

The primary hosts for the larvae of this species are plants belonging to the Violaceae family. In agricultural settings, caterpillars may feed on ornamental violets and pansies, causing noticeable damage to foliage and reducing the market value of the nursery stock.

The life cycle of the Silver-bordered fritillary typically involves two generations per year. The larvae overwinter in the leaf litter or near the base of host plants. After feeding in the spring and early summer, they undergo pupation, and adult butterflies emerge to initiate the next cycle of reproduction.

The damage is characterized by the consumption of leaf tissue, ranging from minor leaf-notching to extensive skeletonization of the plants. Such feeding activities compromise the health of the plants, making them more susceptible to pathogenic fungi and reducing their ornamental quality.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended for controlling this insect. Strategies include removing alternative wild host plants, employing biological insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis, and manual removal in smaller cultivation areas to prevent significant outbreaks.

• Monitoring the presence of larvae on leaf undersides.
• Maintaining field hygiene by removing Viola-family weeds.
• Using selective bio-pesticides that minimize harm to bees.
• Implementing physical barriers in greenhouse environments.