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Nokomis Fritillary (Speyeria nokomis [W. H. Edwards])
Wing span: 2 1/2 - 3 1/8 inches (6.3 - 7.9 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male brownish orange with darkened wing bases and dark markings. Submarginal chevrons do not touch the marginal line. Upperside of female black; outer half of wing with cream-colored spots. Both sexes have hindwing below with black-bordered silver spots.
Life history: Males patrol for receptive females, who walk on the ground to lay single eggs near host plants. Unfed, first-stage caterpillars hibernate; in the spring they feed on leaves of the host.
Flight: One brood from late July-September.
Caterpillar hosts: Viola nephrophylla.
Adult food: Flower nectar, including that from thistles.
Habitat: Moist meadows, seeps, marshes, streamsides.
Range: East-central California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado south through Arizona and New Mexico into Mexico.
Conservation: Several populations are lost due to draining of habitat or development. All remaining populations should be conserved.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: Protect and manage habitat. Moderate grazing is compatible and may be necessary.
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
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 1999 -
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