|
|
|
Click images for larger view
There are five species of fritillaries that have been found at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve: gulf, variegated, regal, diana and great-spangled. The gulf and variegated aren't true fritillaries like the others, that all feed on violets. The gulf and variegated are Heliconians and feed on passion vine. Like all other Heliconians, they are tropical in origin. Both species emigrate north each year from the south though a few variegateds do manage to make it through the milder winters here.
The great-spangled fritillary is a large (2 1/2" - 4" wingspan) orange/black/brown butterfly that prefers wet open areas (including open woodlands). There is one brood which flies from June until September. The caterpillars overwinter and feed on violets in the spring.
The females are larger and darker than the males. Above they are orange with black markings and are much darker toward the base of the wings. Below, the hindwing is brown with large silver spots toward the base and a lighter colored band near the edge of the wing. They feed on the nectar of many tallgrass prairie plants, including milkweed, thistle, ironweed and coneflower.
|
|
|
Great-spangled Fritillary - female
Females are larger and and darker than males.
|
|
|
Great-spangled Fritilarry - male
|
|
|
Great-spangled Fritilaries - mating
|
| |
Photos by George Pierson
|
|
|
