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Spotted fritillary

Spotted fritillary

Melitaea didyma

A species of Melitaea

Melitaea didyma is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan reaching 3.5 - 5 cm. The overside of the wings is a bright orange-brown with dark brown markings arranged in rows, which are quite variable in quantity and size. Sometimes the colour of the females is a duller orange, shaded with grey-green. The underside of the wings is chequered pale yellow and pale orange. Melitaea didyma has seasonal forms and sexual dimorphism.

General Info About Spotted fritillary
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Attributes of Spotted fritillary
Colors
Black
Yellow
Orange
Habitat
grassland; slope; embankment
Adult Food Sources
Thistle (cirsium), knapweed (centaurea), oregano (origanum), buddleia, lavender (lavandula)
Larva Food Source
Plantains (plantago), veronica, linaria, buddleia, antirrhinum
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Spotted fritillary is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Spotted 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 Spotted 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 Spotted fritillary
It is found in southern and central Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and Siberia. It is absent from northern Europe.
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Distribution Area of Spotted fritillary
Southern and central Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and Siberia
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Life Cycle of Spotted fritillary
Egg The egg stage is the beginning of the spotted fritillary lifecycle. The eggs are small, rounded, and usually laid on host plants. They are often colorful, serving as camouflage or warning signals to predators.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva is a caterpillar with a primary focus on feeding. It exhibits a worm-like body and must molt several times, growing substantially in size with each molt.
Pupal Transforming into a pupa, the spotted fritillary encases itself in a chrysalis, ceasing to feed. Inside, it undergoes a radical transformation as tissue, limbs, and organs are restructured.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult spotted fritillary showcases vibrant colors and patterns on wings developed for flight. It is now sexually mature, with reproduction being its main focus.
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Adult Size of Spotted fritillary
3.5 - 5 cm
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Predators of Spotted fritillary Larvae
Birds, rodents, parasitic wasps, spiders
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Predators of Adult Spotted fritillary
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Spotted fritillary
The spotted fritillary can taste with its feet, a trick that aids in identifying suitable host plants for laying eggs.
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Scientific Classification of Spotted fritillary
Tips for Finding Spotted fritillary
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Youth Habitat of Spotted fritillary
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Spotted fritillary
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
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How Can You Attract Spotted fritillary
For spotted fritillary, sweet substances such as rotten fruit or sugary solutions can be used as bait in traps since adult spotted fritillary feed on nectar and other sweet fluids.
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Habitat Preferences of Spotted fritillary Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of spotted fritillary are typically found on the host plants' leaves, specifically on species favored by the caterpillars. As caterpillars, spotted fritillary are often spotted on or near their food sources, which include various flower species they consume. Pupae are usually attached to plants or hidden in debris close to the ground. To find these stages, search the respective habitats where the host plants grow, such as meadows or grassy open areas for eggs and caterpillars; look for pupae in sheltered, lower vegetation zones. With careful observation near the host plants, one can spot each stage in their common environment.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Spotted fritillary
Spotted fritillary is typically most active during the day, especially during warm and sunny conditions. Dawn or just before dusk can also be opportune times to observe them when they are less active and easier to approach.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Spotted fritillary
Spotted fritillary prefers warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions. Too much wind can make it difficult for them to fly, and they are less active in cooler temperatures.
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How and Where Can You Find Spotted fritillary at Different Life Stages
Egg Spotted fritillary eggs are normally deposited on the underside of host plant leaves. Search for clusters of small, round or oval eggs on the host plants' leaves, which may be specific types of flowers or shrubs.
Larva Spotted fritillary larvae, or caterpillars, will feed on the leaves of the host plants. Look for signs of feeding such as holes in leaves, and search along the stems and both sides of the leaves for caterpillars.
Pupal Spotted fritillary chrysalises are often well-camouflaged and can be found attached to host plants or nearby structures. Carefully inspect the stems, leaves, and even the ground, especially in sheltered areas, for pupae.
Adult Adult spotted fritillary can be found feeding on nectar from flowers, basking in the sun or seeking mates. Visit flower gardens, meadows, or field edges during sunny weather to observe and find adult spotted fritillary.
Are Spotted fritillary harmful?
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Usually, the spotted 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 Spotted 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 Spotted 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
Prefer Plant Type
Yellow Flowers, Asteraceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Spotted fritillary is an avid pollinator, drawn to the vibrant color and enticing smell of yellow flowers and those of the Asteraceae family. These flying beauties actively consume pollen, inadvertently transferring it from one bloom to another, facilitating the reproductive cycle of plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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