Image Credit: Kerry L taken in Wolfs Hollow Park, PA
True to its name, the Meadow Fritillary can be found in meadows and flower fields, often with others, taking in nectar and some sun.
Unlike most butterflies, the Meadow Fritillary does not venture into the warmer, southern part of North America. Canada and American states north of the Deep South and Southwest are included in its range. Color variations for this species exist: some are an orange-yellow while others are more of a burnt orange. The pattern on all of them remains the same. All have a myriad of dots and circles that cover the wings, and they rest with them spread out and flat.
Three generations can be produced each year. Caterpillars are a purple black color with spines and they eat violets. Adults are busy all summer and can be seen in gardens and at the edges of woodlands where their larval host plant grows.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Nymphalidae
Genus:Boloria
Species:bellona
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Boloria bellona
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 32mm to 48mm (1.25in to 1.87in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.