The Great Spangled Fritillary, scientifically known as Speyeria cybele, is a butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family. It is mainly found in North America, spanning across the United States and parts of Canada. This large and vibrant butterfly gets its name from the distinct patterns of black, orange, and silver spots on the underside of its wings, resembling spangles or glittering ornaments.
The Great Spangled Fritillary has a wingspan that ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches, making it one of the larger fritillary species. Its upper wings are bright orange with black markings and veins, while the undersides are pale orange with silver spots and dark scales. This intricate pattern serves as a form of camouflage, blending with its preferred habitat of open meadows, grasslands, and woodland edges.
As an adult, the Great Spangled Fritillary feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including butterfly weed, milkweed, and thistles. However, during its larval stage, it relies on violets as its primary food source. The females lay their spherical and ribbed eggs on or near violet plants, and the caterpillars later emerge to feed on the leaves.
Because of habitat loss and degradation, the Great Spangled Fritillary populations have faced some declines. However, efforts to conserve their preferred habitats and protect native plants have shown positive impacts on their population numbers. Additionally, this species is considered important for pollination, as its visits to flowers contribute to the transfer of pollen between plants, aiding in fertilization and seed production.
