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Aphrodite fritillary

Aphrodite fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
Photos © Mary Kay Rubey

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
The Aphrodite fritillary has a wingspan of two and one-half to three and one-half inches. The female is larger than the male. The upperside of the wings is orange with black marks, and most individuals have a black mark in the plain section near the base of the forewing. The underside of the hindwing is red-brown and may have a light brown band between the two rows of silver spots at the edge of the wing. The larva is generally black with a small orange spot on the head.

BEHAVIORS
This species can be found in a variety of open habitats. Adults feed on nectar. Larvae eat violet plants. The female lays an egg on or near violet plants in late summer. The caterpillar hatches, finds a place to shelter and then becomes inactive until spring. Adults are active from the middle of June through early September. Mature larvae are seen in late May and June.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae

Illinois Status: common, native