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Queen of Spain Fritillary

Issoria lathonia

The Queen of Spain Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly with orange and black patterns on its wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and can often be seen in sunny meadows during warm days.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Queen of Spain Fritillary has vibrant orange upper wings boldly patterned with distinct black spots. Its hindwing undersides are particularly striking, featuring large, brilliant silvery-white spots against a purplish-brown background, making it visually distinct from other fritillary species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusIssoria
Queen of Spain Fritillary
spotted trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Queen of Spain Fritillary

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite its name, this butterfly is common across much of Europe and Asia, not just Spain!

Its caterpillars love to munch on pansy and viola leaves, growing super fast!

Some Queen of Spain Fritillaries fly thousands of kilometers, migrating across continents!

The underside of its hindwings sparkles with large, mirror-like silver spots!

Special abilities

Ability

Shiny Shield

Queen of Spain Fritillary has silvery undersides that help them blend into bright surroundings, confusing predators when they rest.

Ability

Nectar Finder

Queen of Spain Fritillary can sense the sweetest flowers with its antennae, helping them find vital energy.

Ability

Metamorphosis Marvel

Queen of Spain Fritillary performs a complete metamorphosis, transforming from a crawling larva into a flying beauty.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
38-50 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
14-21 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar!

Age differences: Yes, caterpillars eat leaves, and adults drink nectar.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • violets (Viola spp.)
  • pansies (Viola spp.)
  • thistles (Cirsium spp.)
  • knapweeds (Centaurea spp.)

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Queen of Spain Fritillary's wingspan?

38-50 mm

How big is Queen of Spain Fritillary?

10-15 mm

How long does Queen of Spain Fritillary live?

14-21 days

How fast can Queen of Spain Fritillary fly?

15 km/h

What does Queen of Spain Fritillary eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar!

Where is Queen of Spain Fritillary usually found?

Grasslands

How does Queen of Spain Fritillary hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Queen of Spain Fritillary have?

6

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