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Queen of spain fritillary

Queen of spain fritillary

Issoria lathonia

A species of Issoria

Adorned with a mosaic of orange and brown on its dorsal wings, queen of spain fritillary captivates with bright silver spots on its underside, mimicking droplets of morning dew. Often flitting among diverse flora, this species partakes in the nectar of a wide array of flowering plants, varying its diet with the seasonal bloom. From early stages as voracious caterpillars, which feed on specific host plants, to the iridescent adults that grace open grasslands, queen of spain fritillary undergoes a striking metamorphosis that embodies the rich tapestry of life in meadows, embodying the intricate relationship between organisms and their habitats.

General Info About Queen of spain fritillary
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Attributes of Queen of spain fritillary
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
open land (arable area); forest edge
Adult Food Sources
Thistles (cirsium and carduus species), buddleja, overripe fruit, ragwort (senecio), ivy (hedera helix)
Larva Food Source
Plantain (plantago), violets (viola), linaria, verbascum, antirrhinum
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Queen of spain fritillary is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Queen of spain 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 Queen of spain 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
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Queen of spain fritillary
It is widespread in most of Europe, in North Africa, Canary Islands and in the East Palaearctic ecozone.
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Distribution Area of Queen of spain fritillary
Most of Europe, North Africa, Canary Islands, eastern Palearctic realm
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Life Cycle of Queen of spain fritillary
Egg The queen of spain fritillary begins as an egg, which is usually laid on host plants. The eggs are tiny, spherical or ovate, and may vary in color. The primary function at this stage is to serve as a protective casing for the developing embryo inside.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar stage of queen of spain fritillary is primarily for feeding and growth. The caterpillar has a cylindrical body with a well-defined head, chewing mouthparts, and several prolegs. It molts multiple times, with size and patterns changing.
Pupal As a pupa, queen of spain fritillary undergoes transformation inside a chrysalis. This stage is motionless and vulnerable, with the pupal case often camouflaged to match the environment. The organs and body structures of the queen of spain fritillary are completely reorganized during this stage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult queen of spain 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 and feeding on nectar.
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Adult Size of Queen of spain fritillary
4 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of Queen of spain fritillary Larvae
Birds, ants, wasps, spiders, rodents
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Predators of Adult Queen of spain fritillary
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles, predatory insects
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Interesting Facts About Queen of spain fritillary
Despite being a capable flier, the queen of spain fritillary can hibernate during winter, tucked away under leaves or in crevices to survive the cold.
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Scientific Classification of Queen of spain fritillary
Tips for Finding Queen of spain fritillary
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Youth Habitat of Queen of spain fritillary
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Queen of spain fritillary
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Queen of spain fritillary
Since queen of spain fritillary is a species of butterfly, adults can typically be lured using sweet substances such as rotting fruits or sugary solutions.
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Habitat Preferences of Queen of spain fritillary Through Different Life Stages
To find the queen of spain fritillary during its larval stage, one should search on the leaves of various host plants, including species of the Viola genus, often in open grassy areas. The pupae typically attach themselves to stems or leaves, frequently favoring sheltered places such as under leaves or in crevices. Adults prefer sunny, flowery fields where they can feed on nectar. To locate queen of spain fritillary across these stages, one must scrutinize their respective preferred environments: check the host plants for caterpillars, inspect potential hideouts for pupae, and visit sunny, open areas with ample flowering plants to observe adult queen of spain fritillary.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Queen of spain fritillary
The best time to find queen of spain fritillary would generally be during daylight hours when these diurnal creatures are most active, particularly on sunny, warm days.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Queen of spain fritillary
Optimal weather conditions for finding queen of spain fritillary are on mild to warm days with little to no wind, as butterflies are less active in cool or windy conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Queen of spain fritillary at Different Life Stages
Egg Queen of spain fritillary eggs are usually laid on host plants. Look for them on the underside of leaves of plants that caterpillars feed on.
Larva Queen of spain fritillary caterpillars are often found on or near their host plants. Search for caterpillars by inspecting the leaves for signs of feeding such as holes or chewed edges.
Pupal Queen of spain fritillary chrysalises can be located in sheltered areas, often on the host plant or near the ground in leaf litter. They are typically camouflaged, so look closely for their distinctive shape.
Adult Queen of spain fritillary butterflies are best found by looking for them as they feed on flower nectar or bask in the sun to warm their bodies. Visiting fields or gardens with a variety of flowering plants during the peak sunlight hours is advisable.
Are Queen of spain fritillary harmful?
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Usually, the queen of spain 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 Queen of spain 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 Queen of spain 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, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Queen of spain fritillary is attracted to flowers primarily by their bright colors and diverse shapes, which signal the presence of nectar and pollen. As it feeds on these resources, it inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another, facilitating plant reproduction. This inadvertent act of pollination is an essential ecological service provided by queen of spain fritillary.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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