Euptoieta

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Euptoieta: /juːp.toʊˈiː.ɪ.tə/

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Summary

Euptoieta is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, consisting of species such as the Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia), known for their unique coloration and lifecycle, primarily found in North and South America.

Physical Characteristics

Medium-large butterflies with distinctive wing shape, orange pattern with black markings above. Below they are pale dull brownish with cream marbling. The upperside of the wings is checkered with orange and black, with a row of submarginal black spots and black median lines. The wingspan measures 1.75–2.25 inches (44–57 mm).

Identification Tips

Most easily confused with similar-sized Fritillaries of genus Speyeria, which have rounded pale (usually silvered) spots below. Look for a relatively straight line instead of a prominent row of blackish crescent-shaped spots along the margins of the wings in Euptoieta. The larvae have a pair of horn-like spines on the prothorax, useful for identification.

Habitat

Open, disturbed habitats such as clover and alfalfa fields, pastures, fields, waste areas, roadsides, and mountain meadows.

Distribution

North America north of Mexico and northwestern South America.

Diet

Larvae feed on the leaves, flowers, and stems of host plants; adults nectar on various flowers including Dogbane, Common milkweed, Asters, Thistles, and Coneflowers.

Life Cycle

Males patrol for females; females lay pale-green or cream-colored eggs singly on host plants. Larvae are red with black subdorsal and spiracular stripes. Chrysalis is shiny white with black spots.

Reproduction

Adults overwinter in the south and migrate north in spring and summer. They have 2–3 broods per year.

Evolution

While traditionally placed in the Argynnini, similarities with the Old World tribe Vagrantini suggest potential evolutionary links that may be clarified with further research.

Similar Taxa

• Speyeria
• Cupha
• Lachnoptera
• Phalanta
• Vagrans

Misconceptions

The 'horns' or 'spines' of the larvae are often thought to be on the head, but they actually originate from the prothorax.

Tags

• butterflies
• Lepidoptera
• Euptoieta
• variegated fritillary