Explanation of Names
First described in 1776 (some sources say 1775) by
Pieter Cramer as Papilio claudia
Identification
Orange-brown upper surface edged with black spots. Underside is light brown with a pale postmedian band on the hindwing, and no silver spangles (seen in other fritillaries). Smaller than other fritillaries, closer to a Buckeye in size. Flies low to the ground and is hard to approach. Black-edged light spot near the center of the forewing helps to distinguish this from other fritillaries.
Range
Annually colonizes northwards from the southern US as far north as Massachussets and Manitoba, Canada, west to California, but not as far as the Pacific Northwest.
Habitat
Open fields and roadsides.
Season
Four broods in the south, three in the north.
Food
Larvae feed on passionvines (Passiflora), violets (Viola, moonseed (Menispermum), Mayapple (Podophyllum), Stonecrop (Sedum), Purslane (Portulaca) and others.
Print References
Butterflies Through Binoculars
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