Diana Fritillary
Common NameDiana Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria diana
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, yellow
HabitatDeciduous forests, forest edges, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, particularly the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains
Host Plantsviolets (Viola spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on or near violet host plants. Larvae hatch and overwinter as first instars, emerging in spring to feed on violet leaves before pupating.
Identification TipsKey identification is through strong sexual dimorphism: males are predominantly orange with black markings, while females (like the one pictured) have dark forewings with light spots and bright orange hindwings.
Description
The female Diana Fritillary, as shown, features dark brown to black forewings with a row of bright yellow-orange spots, contrasting sharply with vibrant orange hindwings adorned with black spots.
