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Variegated fritillary

Variegated fritillary

Euptoieta claudia

A species of Euptoieta, Also known as Hortensia, Hortensia butterfly

The variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) earns its name from the greek work Eutptoietos, which means "easily scared." This is because they are incredibly difficult to approach, darting away if anyone comes close. They are identified with a checkered orange and black on its wings. The variegated fritillary is unique among butterflies for its ability to have two or three broods per year, resulting in many potential children.

General Info About Variegated fritillary
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Attributes of Variegated fritillary
Adult Food Sources
Tickseed sunflower (bidens aristosa), wild petunia (ruellia caroliniensis), thistle (cirsium species), red clover (trifolium pratense), asters (aster species)
Larva Food Source
Violets (viola species), pansy (viola tricolor var. hortensis), maypops (passiflora incarnata), variegated fritillary (euptoieta claudia)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Variegated fritillary is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Variegated 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
The Variegated fritillary feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Variegated fritillary
It is a North and South American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.
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Distribution Area of Variegated fritillary
North and South American
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Appearance of Variegated fritillary
The upperside of the wings is checkered with orange and black. Both the forewing and hindwing have a row of submarginal black spots and black median lines running across the wings. The underside of the forewing is orange with a pale orange spot rimmed in black in the forewing cell. The underside of the hindwing is mottled with browns and grays with a pale postmedian band. There is no silvering. The wingspan measures 4.5 - 6 cm. The larva is red with black subdorsal and spiracular stripes infused with white spotting.
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How to Identify Variegated fritillary?

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Predators of Variegated fritillary Larvae
Ants, wasps, birds, rodents
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Predators of Adult Variegated fritillary
Birds, mammals, reptiles, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Variegated fritillary
Despite its delicate appearance, variegated fritillary larvae can consume toxic plants, rendering them distasteful to predators.
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Scientific Classification of Variegated fritillary
Tips for Finding Variegated fritillary
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Youth Habitat of Variegated fritillary
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Variegated fritillary
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Savannas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Variegated fritillary
The most appropriate bait to use in traps to attract adult variegated fritillary would be overripe fruits or a concoction of fermenting sweet substances, which emulate the conditions of their natural feeding sources.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Variegated fritillary
Adult variegated fritillary prefer to fly in sunny, calm weather conditions, whereas searching for them in overcast or windy conditions might be less fruitful. Likewise, larvae and pupae may be easier to find in less harsh conditions, preferably when it's humid but not raining.
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How and Where Can You Find Variegated fritillary at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of variegated fritillary can be located by inspecting the host plants they typically lay eggs on. Look for small clusters or individual eggs on the undersides of leaves or along stems.
Larva Variegated fritillary larvae can be discovered by searching host plants they are known to feed on. Scrutinize leaves for signs of feeding, such as holes or larvae themselves, particularly on the underside where they seek shelter from predators.
Pupal To find variegated fritillary pupae, investigate locations near the larval food source where they might attach themselves to undergo metamorphosis. This may include the undersides of leaves, stems, or other sheltered places on or near the host plants.
Adult Adult variegated fritillary can be found in areas with abundant flowering plants, as they feed on nectar. Look for them in meadows, gardens, and along woodland edges where they flutter about seeking food and mates. Observing during the peak sunlight hours on warm days will increase your chances of spotting them.
Are Variegated fritillary harmful?
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Usually, the variegated fritillary won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Variegated 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 Variegated fritillary
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Variegated fritillary is attracted to the vibrant hues and enticing aromas of flowers. It primarily feeds on the pollen of asters and violets, fluttering from bloom to bloom as it inadvertently transfers pollen, playing a vital role in the propagation of these plants.
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