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Species Details

Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NameDingy Fritillary SeasonalityBiennial, 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 Name Boloria improba Common 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-test.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2797. Accessed 03 Nov. 2025.

References

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.

UASM21867 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Herschel Island Collected ByBryant, Owen Date Collected1930-07-25

UASM33563 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Torrens River Collected ByHilchie, Gerald J. Date Collected1981-08-04

UASM59193 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Asi Keyi Special Management Area Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2006-07-18

UASM59248 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Asi Keyi Special Management Area Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2006-07-18

UASM59291 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Swanson Creek Collected BySmith, T. Date Collected2002-06-28

UASM59292 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Swanson Creek Collected BySmith, T. Date Collected2002-06-22

UASM332497 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Ruby Range Collected ByEgekraut, D. Date Collected2012-07-21

UASM332498 - Boloria improba

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Yukon Territory, Ruby Range Collected ByEgekraut, D. Date Collected2012-07-20

Adult Seasonal Distribution