Saturday, August 08, 2009

Variegated Fritillary Butterfly (Euptoieta claudia)



A very common, widespread and prolific butterfly. Both adults and caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants.

Range: Higher elevations of Argentina through Central America and Mexico to the southern United States; also Cuba and Jamaica. Regularly colonizes north through most of the United States except the Pacific Northwest.

Flight: Three broods from April-October in the north, four broods from February or March-November or December in the south.

Habitat: Open sunny areas such as prairies, fields, pastures, road edges, landfills. Males patrol short distances in flat, dry, open places. Eggs are laid singly on host plant stems and leaves; caterpillars eat leaves and flowers.

Sources and additional information:
BugGuide Species Page
Butterflies and Moths of North America




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5 comments:

Shelly Cox said...

Nice picture Marvin, they are really a pretty little butterfly. I captured an image of the caterpillar out of my moms backyard the other day. They are very pretty and uniquely marked.

Birdy Official said...

Great captures and pretty butterflies. Always looking for a mating couple of butterflies, but never have this opportunity.

Texas Travelers said...

Nice photos.
Troy

laughingwolf said...

not showy, but still interesting...

Jack said...

Don get this picture often....Butterfly without greenery???Nice shot..

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Jack
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