Great Spangled Fritillary
Common NameGreat Spangled Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria cybele
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, silver
HabitatMeadows, open woodlands, forest edges, fields
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from southern Canada south to the Gulf Coast states
Host PlantsViola spp. (violets)
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on or near violet host plants. Larvae hatch in late summer, overwinter without feeding, then emerge in spring to feed on violet leaves. They pupate, and adults emerge in early summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, bright orange dorsal coloration with heavy black markings, and especially the large, prominent silver spots on the ventral hindwing. The forewing apex is often somewhat pointed.
Description
A large, vibrant orange butterfly with prominent black spots and lines on its dorsal wings, and distinctive large, iridescent silver spots on the underside of its hindwings.
