Hydaspe Fritillary
Common NameHydaspe Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria hydaspe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, reddish-brown, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest clearings, subalpine meadows, mountain slopes
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado)
Host PlantsViola species (violets)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on or near violet host plants. Larvae hatch and overwinter without feeding, then emerge in spring to feed on violet leaves before pupating.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the reddish-brown hindwing underside with cream/white spots, and the absence of silver spots, which differentiates it from many other *Speyeria* fritillaries.
Description
This medium-sized fritillary displays an orange upperside with black spots and lines. The underside of the hindwing is reddish-brown with distinct cream or white spots, notably lacking the silver spots found in many other fritillary species.
