Fritillary Butterflies
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The subfamily is also commonly called longwings because of the extended length of the wings on some species. Extended wings are more prominent in the Heliconian species, however, side views of fritillaries do show longer top wings.
Silverspots is another common name for fritillaries, and it describes the pattern on the underside of the wing.
Because they have the characteristic orange or brown wing color of other brushfooted butterflies, seeing the underside of the wing helps with field identification.
The side view picture of the Gulf Fritillary on the left provides a great example of the spotting pattern.
It is considered a southern species that resides in Gulf Coast states as well as Southwestern states. The Gulf Fritillary, like most fritillaries feeds on flowers. The larvae feed on passion flower vines.
Identifying any fritillary using a top view requires careful study of the wing pattern.
The Hydaspe Fritillary in the picture resides in higher elevations in the Pacific Northwest down through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Fritillaries are small to medium sized. The two aforementioned fritillaries measure over two inches. They are considered medium sized species.
The picture on the left is the Western Meadow Fritillary or Pacific Fritillary.
It is the most common of the smaller fritillaries, and does not exceed two inches in length.
Most fritillaries patrol a territory and take a break to perch for some time. If you are patient enough, one will settle on a flower for a picture. It is always a fun time spending warm sunny summer afternoons in the mountains looking for fritillaries.
© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels