Diane Frittilary & Viola pedata

Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana)

Insect art to promote insect growth and development.
 

  

Artist: Jane Guttman © 2008

The beautiful Diana fritillary is a dimorphic member of the Brushfoot 

(Nymphalidae) family. Females mimic the Pipevine Swallowtail and are black with blue and lighter patches near the margin of the wing; males are orange with black veins and spots on the outer margin and black on the basal half. The wing span ranges from 3 to 4 inches. Dianas live predominantly in mountain forests. Home range is the southern Appalachians and the Ozark Mountains. There is one flight from June to September, with males emerging first. In the fall, females attach eggs to dead leaves and twigs on the forest floor. Without feeding, the caterpillars hatch and hibernate. In the spring, completely developed, they feed on violets, such as Viola pedata, pictured. The adults nectar at milkweed, ironweed, dung, red clover, and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), pictured. Threats to this butterfly come mainly from pest control and logging.

The Viola pedata is a lovely little wildflower that most people find just about everywhere, mostly in the middle of their lawns. the problem is that it gets mowed down too often. If you find this lovely plant in the middle of the lawn, dig it up and move it to a safe spot. It tolerates transplanting and who knows...... maybe you will be feeding the next generation of the lovely Diana frittilary!

Artist: Jane Guttman
Jane is not only an artist but is a New York State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator specializing in turtles/tortoises. To find out more about Jane visit her website:  http://www.catsntorts.org or E-mail her at: catsntorts@gmail.com

These series of paintings are part of a traveling exhibit from the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Greater NY Chapter. for more info about the GNSI visit: http://www.gnsi.org