Speyeria callippe comstocki

(Gunder, 1925)

Comstock's Callippe Fritillary

Speyeria callippe comstocki is a of the Callippe fritillary , to the Canadian prairies. It belongs to the greater fritillary group ( Speyeria), characterized by silvery spots on the wing undersides and obligate associations with violet plants. The subspecies is distinguished from other S. callippe by geographic isolation in the northern Great Plains. Like other Speyeria , are strong fliers that rely primarily on vision for navigation.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Speyeria callippe comstocki: /ˈspaɪəriə kəˈlɪpi ˈkɑmstɒki/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Speyeria callippe by its restricted distribution in the Canadian prairie provinces. Externally similar to other greater fritillaries; definitive identification to subspecies level requires examination of geographic origin and genitalia. The -level characters include orange-brown upperside with black markings and distinctive silvery spots on the wing undersides.

Habitat

Prairie and grassland in the northern Great Plains. Associated with open terrain including native prairie, meadows, and grassy clearings where larval plants (Viola ) occur.

Distribution

to the Canadian prairie provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Life Cycle

Females deposit on or near violet plants (Viola ). Larvae hatch and immediately enter hibernation without feeding, among leaf litter. Upon in spring, larvae feed on fresh violet leaves before pupating. fly during summer months.

Behavior

Strong, fast typical of greater fritillaries. Visual navigation plays a primary role in locating suitable patches, as demonstrated in congeneric .

Ecological Role

of prairie wildflowers. Larval stage functions as a herbivore on native violets.

Similar Taxa

  • Speyeria cybeleOverlaps in prairie ; distinguished by larger size, more extensive silvery markings on hindwing underside, and different geographic distribution.
  • Speyeria atlantisOccurs in similar northern ; distinguished by wing pattern differences and habitat preferences.
  • Speyeria callippe callippeNominate found in western United States; separated by geographic range with no overlap in Canada.

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