Home / Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) / Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)

Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)

The Great Spangled Fritillary is a fascinating species of butterfly native to North America, celebrated for its vivid orange and tan hues and its presence across a diverse range of habitats. Active predominantly from mid-June to mid-September, these butterflies embody the vibrant pulse of summer meadows and woodland edges.

Great Spangled Fritillary

Scientific Classification


  • Family: Nymphalidae
  • Genus: Speyeria
  • Scientific Name: Speyeria cybele

Overview

This species, with its nine local subspecies, spans a wide geographic range, from the southern reaches of Canada to northern California in the west and North Carolina in the east. The Great Spangled Fritillary plays a crucial role in the pollination ecosystem, fluttering from flower to flower, contributing to the cycle of life in its habitat.

Description and Identification

CaterpillarGreat Spangled Fritillary Caterpillar

The Great Spangled Fritillary caterpillar is easily recognizable by its jet-black body adorned with spine-like structures. Each spine is tipped with an orange spot, adding a splash of color to the otherwise dark larva. Interestingly, these caterpillars overwinter upon hatching and wait until spring to feed on the tender leaves of violets.

Pupa

Resembling a shelled peanut, the chrysalis of this species boasts a chestnut black or brown hue, complemented by faint orange markings on its glossy surface. This stage is a crucial transformation phase, leading to the emergence of the adult butterfly.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: There is a noticeable difference between male and female Great Spangled Fritillaries. Males flaunt a tan to orange base color with distinctive black scales on their forewing veins, while females display a tawny, darker shade.

Color and Appearance: When their wings are spread, the intricate patterns and colors of these butterflies are truly mesmerizing. The ventral side of the hindwings features a pale submarginal band and pronounced silver spots, a key identification feature.

Great Spangled Fritillary ButterflySpeyeria cybeleAverage Wingspan: The wingspan of the Great Spangled Fritillary ranges from 62 to 88 mm (2.4 to 3.5 inches), placing them among the larger butterfly species in their habitat.

Flight Pattern: These butterflies exhibit a medium-speed flight, often moving in a straight line, a testament to their strong and determined nature.

Eggs

The eggs of the Great Spangled Fritillary are a faint grayish-white, laid individually on the leaves of host plants, ensuring the next generation’s survival.

Quick Facts

DistributionFrom south Canada to northern California and east to North Carolina.
HabitatPrefers woodland edges and moist meadows.
Lifespan of Adults30 to 45 days.
Host PlantsVarious species of violet (Viola).
Adult DietNectar from milkweeds, thistles, purple coneflower, and more.
 

How to Identify Great Spangled Fritillary?

Identifying the Great Spangled Fritillary can be a rewarding experience for both amateur and experienced butterfly enthusiasts. Look for their distinctive orange and tan coloration, with males displaying lighter hues and females a darker, tawny color. The silver spots on the underside of their hindwings are key identifiers, alongside the unique pale submarginal band. Observing their flight pattern can also provide clues; their straight, purposeful flight is characteristic. When spotting a caterpillar, search for the signature black body with orange-spotted spines, a telltale sign you’ve found a future Great Spangled Fritillary.

Did You Know?

  • In 1985, the Scottish music band Cocteau Twins released a song named “Great Spangled Fritillary,” inspired by the butterfly’s scientific classification within Lepidoptera.
  • The Great Spangled Fritillary contributes significantly to the pollination of various plant species, making it an essential part of its ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Great Spangled Fritillary is more than just a beautiful creature; it is a vital component of its ecosystem, a pollinator, and a subject of cultural inspiration. Understanding and appreciating this butterfly’s lifecycle, from its distinctive caterpillar stage to its majestic adult form, enhances our appreciation of the natural world’s complexity and interconnectedness.

Great Spangled Fritillary Pictures

Male Great Spangled Fritillary
Female Great Spangled Fritillary
Great Spangled Fritillary Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scientific Classification

  • Family: Nymphalidae
  • Genus: Speyeria
  • Scientific Name: Speyeria cybele
Published by Avatar on March 19, 2019.
Last Updated: March 10, 2024. ✅ Verified by: Butterfly Team