Fritillaries
Argynnini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Heliconiinae
- Tribe: Argynnini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Argynnini: //ˌɑːrˈd͡ʒɪnɪnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Argynnini, a tribe of butterflies in the subfamily Heliconiinae, is characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and habitats, with a substantial global presence primarily in Eurasia and North America. Members of this tribe show a variety of feeding habits and life cycles, making them interesting subjects for entomological studies.
Physical Characteristics
Small to large butterflies with orange uppersides patterned with black lines, dashes, and spots. The underside is similarly patterned on the front wings, while the hindwings are usually crossbanded or striated with pale and dark shades, often featuring prominent silvered light spots. The antennae have wide, flattened clubs.
Identification Tips
Fritillaries are highly distinctive and can be recognized by their characteristic wing patterns and prominent rounded dark postmedian spots on the front wings.
Habitat
Primarily found in open sunny meadow areas where hostplants and flowers, particularly from the Asteraceae family, are abundant.
Distribution
Worldwide, primarily in Eurasia and North America, with fewer genera and species in southern regions, particularly in high mountains.
Diet
Larvae primarily feed on Violets (Viola) and occasionally other plants in related families such as Salicaceae, Linaceae, Turneraceae, and Passifloraceae. Some species are recorded to feed on Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, and Ericaceae.
Life Cycle
Most species have one brood of adults per season, usually in spring or early summer, with a few species flying into autumn. Euptoieta can have multiple broods. Overwintering is primarily as young larvae, with some species overwintering in other life stages in mild climates.
Reproduction
Involves typically one brood of adults per season, with a few exceptions flying into autumn. The specifics of mating behaviors are not detailed.
Ecosystem Role
These butterflies are key pollinators in their habitats, visiting various flowers.
Evolution
This tribe has undergone changes in classification, previously considered subtribe Argynnina or even a distinct subfamily. It has roughly 100 species globally, with about 30 in North America.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Although termed Fritillaries in Europe, the term is not commonly used for the same species in North America.
Tags
- butterflies
- Fritillaries
- Nymphalidae
- Argynnini
- lepidoptery