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Indian fritillary

Indian fritillary

Argynnis hyperbius

A species of Argynnis, Also known as Tropical fritillary

Resplendent with warm-toned wings marked by a mosaic of black spots and intricate lines, indian fritillary is a true spectacle among its kin. Caterpillars feed voraciously on violet leaves, developing into adults with a striking sexual dimorphism; females flaunt paler, more extensive wing patterns, while males boast of darker and more vibrant hues. These adults, however, shift dietary preferences to flower nectar, showcasing a remarkable transformation across life stages that echoes their vivid and dynamic existence.

General Info About Indian fritillary
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Attributes of Indian fritillary
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Orange
Habitat
Forest; grassland; wooded park
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana camara, buddleja paniculata, buddleja asiatica, zinnia elegans, asclepias curassavica
Larva Food Source
Viola species leaves, viola yedoensis, viola betonicifolia, viola diffusa, viola biflora
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Indian fritillary is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Indian fritillary
The Himalayas, in the outer ranges from Campbellpur in the Punjab to Sikkim; Oudh; Agra; Manbhum in Bengal; Assam, the Khasi Hills; Upper Burma; extending to China and Taiwan; Sumatra; Java. Can also be found in southern Japan. In Australia, range restricted to northern NSW and southern Queensland. The species was observed for the first time in the United Arab Emirates in January 2020, in Wadi Wurayah National Park, in the Hajar Mountains within the Emirate of Fujairah: a few Indian fritillaries were found flying with members of a physically similar species, the Plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus). It is thought that they came there as opportunistic migrants because of the suitable conditions created by abundant rainfall in the country since October 2019, and that they would not stay for the summer.
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Life Cycle of Indian fritillary
Egg The egg phase is the initial stage where the indian fritillary begins its life cycle. These are often laid on host plants and are small, spherical, and may vary in color. Minimal visible change occurs.
Larva Upon hatching, the caterpillar, or larva, emerges. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and successive molts. The larva has a tubular, segmented body, distinct color patterns, and concentrates on feeding.
Pupal The pupal stage represents transformation. Encased in a chrysalis, the indian fritillary undergoes significant change. The pupa is usually immobile, with metamorphosis occurring internally, reorganizing into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult indian fritillary's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Indian fritillary Larvae
Frogs, toads, predatory beetles, wasps, ants, birds, rodents
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Predators of Adult Indian fritillary
Birds, spiders, praying mantises, lizards, small mammals, other insectivorous animals
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Interesting Facts About Indian fritillary
Indian fritillary can taste with their feet, sensing the suitability of leaves for laying their eggs just by standing on them.
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Scientific Classification of Indian fritillary
Tips for Finding Indian fritillary
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Youth Habitat of Indian fritillary
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Indian fritillary
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Indian fritillary
Adult indian fritillary are attracted to nectar from flowers, so setting up a garden with native flowering plants can serve as an effective lure.
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Habitat Preferences of Indian fritillary Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of indian fritillary are typically laid on or near specific host plants, such as violets, upon which their caterpillars feed. The caterpillars are commonly found on the underside of leaves, camouflage being essential for survival against predators. As indian fritillary transitions to the pupal stage, chrysalises are often formed on twigs or protected areas on or near the host plants. Adult indian fritillary mostly frequents flower-rich habitats, such as meadows, for nectar, utilizing their enhanced mobility for feeding and breeding across broader areas.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Indian fritillary
The best time to find indian fritillary is during the daytime, especially on sunny days when they are most active for feeding and breeding.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Indian fritillary
Sunny and warm conditions are generally more suitable for finding indian fritillary as they prefer the warmth for flying and are less active in cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Indian fritillary at Different Life Stages
Egg Indian fritillary eggs are usually laid on host plants. Identify the plant species preferred by indian fritillary and inspect the undersides of leaves for small clusters or individual eggs.
Larva Indian fritillary caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Look for chewed leaves as an indicator and examine the plant thoroughly, including stems, for the presence of caterpillars.
Pupal Indian fritillary chrysalises are often tucked away in sheltered areas such as under leaves or in plant debris. Search around the host plants and in nearby crevices for pupae, which can be camouflaged.
Adult Adult indian fritillary can be spotted feeding on nectar from flowers, basking in the sun, or engaging in mating behavior. Visit gardens, meadows, or forests with a diversity of flowering plants during warm and sunny times of the day.
Are Indian fritillary harmful?
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Are Indian fritillary harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Indian fritillary
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Indian fritillary is attracted to flowers primarily by visual cues such as color and shape. They feed on the pollen themselves, hence while moving from one flower to another, they incidentally transfer pollen grains, contributing to the pollination process.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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