Callippe Fritillary
Common NameCallippe Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria callippe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)52.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, meadows, often in hilly or mountainous areas.
Geographic RangeWestern North America, primarily California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of Nevada and Idaho.
Host PlantsViola spp. (native perennial violets)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on or near host violets. Larvae hatch and overwinter, feeding on violet leaves in the spring. They pupate, and adults emerge in late spring to summer, typically having one brood per year.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinct pattern and size of the silver spots on the hindwing underside, which can vary between subspecies, and the overall orange and black upperside markings typical of fritillaries.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary butterfly with an orange upperside marked with black spots and lines. The underside of the hindwing is characterized by prominent silver-white spots against a brown or tan background.
