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Variegated Fritillary

Euptoieta claudia

The Variegated Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly with orange and black spots. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing joy to everyone who sees it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Variegated Fritillary has a striking tawny orange upper side with bold black markings and a distinctive series of silvery-brown patches on its hindwing underside. Its intricate wing patterns create a camouflaged appearance when resting.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusEuptoieta
Variegated Fritillary
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Variegated Fritillary

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Did you know some Variegated Fritillaries fly as far as Mexico for winter?

The "fritillary" name comes from the Latin for "chessboard," reflecting their checkered wings!

Their spiky caterpillars have a secret: they are harmless despite their scary look!

These butterflies flutter on sunny days, but hide from rain by clinging to stems.

Special abilities

Ability

Master of Disguise

Variegated Fritillary has intricate patterns on its underside that help it blend perfectly into its surroundings, making it hard for predators to spot.

Ability

Long-Distance Flier

Variegated Fritillary can migrate hundreds of miles, flying south for winter to find warmer climates.

Ability

Nature's Straw

Variegated Fritillary has a long, tube-like proboscis that helps it sip sweet nectar from deep inside flowers with ease.

Ability

Tough Eater

Variegated Fritillary caterpillars can eat tough passion-vine leaves that many other insects avoid, giving them a special food source.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-70 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
7-30 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on the leaves of specific host plants.

Age differences: Yes, larvae eat plant leaves, but adults only drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • passion-vine leaves
  • violet leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Maypop

Passiflora incarnata

Caterpillars eat its leaves for food.

pollinates

Yellow Thistle

Cirsium horridulum

Adults visit flowers for nectar, spreading pollen.

eaten by

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

These small birds sometimes catch and eat butterflies.

Traits

Also known as

Fritillary Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are safe to watch, but remember not to touch them; they are delicate!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Variegated Fritillary's wingspan?

45-70 mm

How big is Variegated Fritillary?

20-30 mm

How long does Variegated Fritillary live?

7-30 days

What does Variegated Fritillary eat?

Adults drink flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on the leaves of specific host plants.

Where is Variegated Fritillary usually found?

Grasslands

How does Variegated Fritillary hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Variegated Fritillary have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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