Mexican Fritillary
Common NameMexican Fritillary
Scientific NameEuptoieta hegesia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen fields, pastures, disturbed areas, roadsides, desert washes
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South America
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (passion-flowers), Linum spp. (flax), Turnera diffusa (damiana)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny and feed on various host plants, primarily passion-flowers. The chrysalis is typically brown or green, often with metallic spots.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its vibrant orange and black spotted pattern, lacking the prominent silver spots on the underside of the hindwings characteristic of many 'true' fritillaries. The forewing apex is somewhat pointed.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings heavily marked with black spots and lines, particularly along the margins and veins.
