Great Basin Fritillary
Common NameGreat Basin Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria egleis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)52.5
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, cream
HabitatMountain meadows, open forests, subalpine areas, often near streams.
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin.
Host Plantsviolets (*Viola* spp.)
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on violets and overwinter after hatching. Adults emerge in mid-summer, producing one brood annually.
Identification TipsLook for the tawny-brown underside hindwing with distinct, often unsilvered, cream to yellowish-white spots and a yellowish submarginal band. Distinguishing from similar fritillaries requires careful examination of these underside patterns.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with tawny orange-brown wings marked with black spots and lines. The underside hindwing, as seen in the image, features a brownish base with prominent cream to yellowish-white spots and a yellowish submarginal band.
