Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
The Meadow Fritillary is a species of
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Boloria
- Scientific Name: Boloria bellona
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larva is black to brownish black in color with uneven ridges throughout the body, along with very fine and tiny tufts of hairy growths on the back, laid in a series. They hibernate during winter.
Pupa
The chrysalis is dark to yellowish to light brown with a ridge-like uneven surface, giving them the look of an elongated seashell. They remain hung from the branch of the host plant.
Adult Butterfly
Sexual Dimorphism: Present
Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the upper tip of the forewings are seen squared off, while both the pairs of wings have reddish-orange coloration with dense black markings. When the wings are closed, the underside of the hindwings exhibits patterns in orange and purplish brown along with an off-white basal patch in each. Additionally, the males have a bright and broad yellow border on the underside of both the wings.
Average wingspan: 3.5 – 5.1 cm (1 3⁄8 – 2 inches)
Flight pattern: Low flight with a medium speed
Quick Facts | |
Distribution | Common in Mexico, found throughout Central and South America |
Habitat | Wet, open places like streamsides, pastures, and fields |
Host plants | Violet plants including northern white violet (Viola pallens) and woolly blue violet (Viola sororia) |
Adult diet | Flower nectar |
Did You Know?
- The butterfly gets its specific name Bellona from the ancient Roman goddess of war with the same name who is characterized by the military helmet worn on her head.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Boloria
- Scientific Name: Boloria bellona