Queen of Spain Fritillary
Common NameQueen of Spain Fritillary
Scientific NameIssoria lathonia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, silver
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open dry areas, clearings, roadsides, often in hilly regions
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsViola arvensis, Viola tricolor, other Viola species
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and dark with yellow stripes. Pupae are typically brown/grey and suspended head-down. The species is multivoltine, producing multiple generations per year, and overwinters as a larva or pupa.
Identification TipsThe most reliable identification feature is the prominent, large, pearly-silver spots on the underside of the hindwings, which are unique among European fritillaries.
Description
A medium-sized fritillary with orange-brown upperwings adorned with black spots and a checkered margin. The underside of the hindwings is distinctively marked with large, pearly-silver spots.
