North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe)
JPG -- species photo

Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe [Boisduval])

Wing span: 2 - 2 1/2 inches (5 - 6.4 cm).

Identification: Upperside orange-brown with dark bases and heavy dark markings. Underside light brown to dark maroon with violet tinge. Hindwing submarginal band slightly paler than rest of wing; spots cream-colored, bordered with black, and may or may not be silvered.

Life history: Eggs are laid near host plants. Unfed, first-stage caterpillars hibernate; in the spring they eat leaves.

Flight: One brood from June-September.

Caterpillar hosts: Violets including Viola adunca, V. glabella, V. nuttallii, V. orbiculata, and V. purpurea.

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Moist forest openings and mountain meadows.

Range: British Columbia east to Alberta, south to southern California, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico.

Conservation: Not usually of concern.

The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None reported.

References:

Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, 
     Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.

Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., 
     Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.

Author: Jane M. Struttmann

Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe)
distribution map
map legend

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