Great Spangled Fritillary

Great Spangled Fritillary  (Speyeria cybele)

Insect art to promote insect growth and development.
 

The Great Spangled Fritillary, named for the silvery “spangles” on the undersurface, is found throughout most of the eastern United States, central California, New Mexico, and central Arkansas. The caterpillars (larvae) of all Greater Fritillaries feed on a single host plant, violets (Viola spp.), pictured. However, adult butterflies nectar from many species of flowers including purple coneflower. (Echinacea purpurea) A member of the brush-footed (Nymphalidae) family, it has a wingspan of 2 to 4 inches. The lack of a black spot near the base of the forewing, as well as a wide, pale submarginal band on the hindwing, distinguishes it from Aphrodite and Atlantis. The Great Spangled exhibits a distinctive lifestyle. After mating, females seem to enter a rare state of summer dormancy (estivation). In early fall, eggs are laid in leaf litter near violets, but often not upon them. Emerging caterpillars do not feed, but go into hibernation until spring.

Artist: Nikki Giannini
Contact Nikki at: nikkigiannini@mac.com