Wingspan: 32–37 mm
Flight period of butterflies: in two generations from May to June and from July to September
Larval host plants: species from the genus Viola (Viola sp.)
The silver argus (Clossiana selene) is a medium-sized fritillary butterfly, which has a dark orange upperside of the wings speckled with a pattern of brown-black spots, lines and dots typical of the fritillary genus. It is easily distinguished from the spring fritillary (Clossiana euphrosyne) by the coloration of the underside of the hindwings. On the silver argus, in the middle of the wings there are several, mutually separated, silver-bright markings of irregular shape. The black spot on the inner side of the row of silver markings is large and pronounced. In addition, the silver argus also has a series of black spots along the outer edge of the underside of the hindwings.
The silver argus is associated with moist habitats. Adults can be seen flying over marsh meadows by lakes, wetlands, meadows in forested river valleys, and also over forest glades. It occurs from lowlands to high mountains.
In Slovenia the silver argus is considered an endangered species, therefore as a vulnerable species (V) it is listed on the Red List of butterflies.
