Snetsinger Butterfly Garden
  • Home
  • Visit
  • Volunteer
  • Butterfly Directory
  • Birds of the SBG
  • Plant Directory
  • Activities
  • Support the Project
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Master Gardener Projects
BACK TO BUTTERFLY DIRECTORY
Picture
Picture

great spangled fritillary

Speyeria cybele

Identification: Wingspan 2 1/2 - 4 inches.  They have a relatively-wide pale tan submarginal band which stretches completely between parallel rows of large silver spots on it’s hind wings.  The fact that this bank touches both sets of spots distinguishes them from Aphrodite Fritillary.  Largest of the Fritillary bunch. Tan to orange with black spots on forewings. Females are darker than males. 

Habitat: Open spaces- wood clearings, gardens, wet or dry grasslands.

Garden Habit:  Males patrol open areas for females. Eggs are laid in late summer on or near host violets. Newly-hatched caterpillars do not feed, but overwinter until spring, when they eat young violet leaves.

Host Plants:  Violets
Proudly powered by Weebly