Regal Fritillary
Common NameRegal Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria idalia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyArgynninae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, silver
HabitatTallgrass prairies, moist meadows, open fields
Geographic RangeEastern and Midwestern North America (historically widespread, now fragmented)
Host PlantsViola pedata, Viola lanceolata, Viola sagittata
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on or near violet host plants. Larvae hatch in late summer, overwinter as first instars, and emerge in spring to feed on violet leaves. Pupation occurs in leaf litter, leading to adult emergence in early summer.
Identification TipsLook for the large size, bright orange upperside with extensive black markings, and most notably, the dark hindwing underside with large, contrasting silvery-white spots. Females have a broader black band on the hindwing upperside.
Description
A large, striking butterfly with a vibrant orange upperside heavily marked with black spots and lines. The hindwing underside is distinctive, being dark olive-brown to black with prominent, large silvery-white spots.
