Greater fritillaries

Definition

A genus of large, orange-and-brown butterflies (Speyeria) in the family Nymphalidae, distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Distinguished from the 'lesser fritillaries' (Boloria and related genera) by larger size, more robust build, and characteristic silvered spots on the ventral hindwings. Larvae feed on violets (Viola spp.). Historically treated as a subgenus of Argynnis, Speyeria was reinstated as a separate genus in 2017 based on molecular and morphological data.

Etymology

From Latin 'fritillus' (dice-box), referring to the checkered wing patterns; 'greater' distinguishes these larger species from smaller fritillary genera.

Example

Speyeria cybele (the great spangled fritillary) is a common greater fritillary in eastern North American meadows, where adults nectar on milkweeds and thistles while larvae require native violet species as host plants.

Synonyms

• Speyeria

Related Terms

• lesser fritillaries
• Nymphalidae
• Argynnis
• silver-spotted fritillary
• Brush-footed butterflies
• host plant specificity
• subgeneric revision

Usage Notes

The common name is plural and refers to multiple species within the genus; individual species are not called 'a greater fritillary' in formal usage. The 2017 generic separation from Argynnis is now widely accepted, though older literature may use Argynnis for these species. Not to be confused with 'fritillary' in botany (Fritillaria, a genus of lilies with similar checkered perianths).