Pacific Fritillary (Boloria epithore) is in the Brush-footed Butterflies family (Nymphalidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,628 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Pacific Fritillary: observations by month (U.S.)
About Pacific Fritillary
Boloria epithore, the Pacific fritillary, is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in western North America from California to British Columbia and Alberta.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Pacific Fritillary by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 907 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Oregon | 857 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Washington | 745 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Montana | 80 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Idaho | 38 | July | Jun–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Monarch
Gulf Fritillary
Common Buckeye
Red Admiral
Pearl Crescent
Painted Lady
American Lady
Variegated Fritillary
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Pacific Fritillary?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from June to July.
Where is Pacific Fritillary most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Washington.