Regal Fritillary
Image: Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols (Public domain)
Common NameRegal Fritillary
Scientific NameSpeyeria idalia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsorange, black, iridescent blue/purple
HabitatTallgrass prairies, open meadows, grasslands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, now restricted to isolated populations in the Midwest and parts of the East.
Host Plantsviolets
Flight PeriodLate June to September
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in late summer, larvae hatch and overwinter as first instars. Caterpillars emerge in spring to feed on violets, then pupate, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsIdentify by the distinctive bright orange upperwings with bold black spots and stripes, and the dark, iridescent hindwing undersides featuring large metallic silver spots.
Description
A large, striking butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with bold black spots and stripes. The underside of the hindwings is dark, often iridescent blue or purple, adorned with prominent metallic silver spots.
