# Zerene Fritillary (*Argynnis zerene*)

The Zerene Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly with bright orange wings and black spots. It flutters around flowers and loves to soak up the sun on warm days.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 2
- **Habitat:** Meadows and open woods

![Zerene Fritillary](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/85149228/medium.jpeg)

Photo: John Hibbard, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/85149228)

## Appearance

The Zerene Fritillary has vibrant tawny-orange uppersides marked with intricate black lines, spots, and streaks. Its hindwing undersides often feature striking silvered spots against an olive or brown background, helping it stand out from plainer butterflies.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Nymphalidae
- **Genus:** Speyeria

## Interesting facts

- Butterflies taste with their feet! Zerene Fritillaries use leg sensors to find the tastiest flowers.
- Some Zerene Fritillaries have brilliant silver spots on their hindwing undersides, making them sparkle!
- The word 'fritillary' comes from Latin for 'dice-box,' referring to their checkered wing patterns!
- Zerene Fritillary caterpillars eat only violet leaves, but adults sip nectar from many flowers.

## Special abilities

- **Nectar Siphoner:** Zerene Fritillary has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar from various flowers with ease.
- **Violet Specialist:** Zerene Fritillary caterpillars can only eat specific violet leaves, which helps them grow strong and healthy.
- **Swift Dodger:** Zerene Fritillary can fly quickly and erratically, which helps them rapidly escape from hungry birds and other predators.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 50-70 mm
- **Size:** 20-30 mm
- **Lifespan:** 180-300 days
- **Flight Speed:** 10-30 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Adult Zerene Fritillaries drink sweet flower nectar; caterpillars munch on violet leaves.

- **Age differences:** Larvae (caterpillars) feed exclusively on violet leaves; adults consume only flower nectar.
- **Primary Foods:** Nectar from thistles, Nectar from asters, Nectar from yarrow, Leaves of \*Viola adunca\*, Leaves of other \*Viola\* species
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Depends on:** Hooked-spur Violet (*Viola adunca*) — Caterpillars exclusively feed on its leaves for growth.
- **Eaten by:** [Steller's Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stellers-jay) (*Cyanocitta stelleri*) — Adult butterflies are a food source for these birds.
- **Pollinates:** [Creeping Thistle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creeping-thistle) (*Cirsium arvense*) — As adults drink nectar, they help spread its pollen.
- **Eaten by:** [Yellow Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yellow-garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — Butterflies can become prey if caught in its web.

## Traits

- [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

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

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Zerene Fritillary?

Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Zerene Fritillary's wingspan?

50-70 mm

### How big is Zerene Fritillary?

20-30 mm

### How long does Zerene Fritillary live?

180-300 days

### How fast can Zerene Fritillary fly?

10-30 km/h

### What does Zerene Fritillary eat?

Adult Zerene Fritillaries drink sweet flower nectar; caterpillars munch on violet leaves.

### Where is Zerene Fritillary usually found?

Meadows and open woods

### How does Zerene Fritillary hunt?

Foraging

## Where to spot

- [Cut Bank Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cut-bank-ranger-station-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Zerene Fritillary: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/zerene-fritillary)