Speyeria hesperis irene

(Boisduval, 1869)

hesperis irene is a of the Hesperis fritillary, a North in the . It belongs to the group within the Speyeria, which are to large butterflies with characteristic silver spots on the undersides of their . The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader S. hesperis. Like other Speyeria species, it is associated with violets (Viola spp.) as larval plants. GBIF currently lists this as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this complex group.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Speyeria hesperis irene: /ˈspaɪəriə ˈhɛspərɪs ɪˈriːniː/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by combination of geographic range, pattern details, and genitalic characteristics. Separating within S. hesperis requires examination of precise spot patterns, color saturation, and male . May be confused with S. atlantis (Atlantis fritillary) in areas of range overlap; precise identification often requires dissection and reference to regional identification .

Appearance

to large fritillary with orange- upperside marked with black markings and checkered margins. Underside of displays the characteristic silvery spots (fritillaries) that give the group its . irene exhibits geographic variation in color intensity and pattern details compared to other S. hesperis subspecies.

Habitat

Associated with montane and subalpine meadows, forest openings, and grassy slopes where larval plants (Viola ) occur. Requires open, sunny areas with nectar sources for and appropriate violet species for and larval development.

Distribution

Western North America; irene occurs in specific geographic portion of the broader S. hesperis range, which extends from Alaska through western Canada and into the western United States.

Diet

feed on Viola (violets). nectar at flowers including thistles, , and other available floral sources.

Host Associations

Viola - LARVAL_HOSTSpecific violet used by this not documented in available sources

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larvae feed on violet leaves; adults emerge in summer. stage as unfed first- larva, a characteristic of .

Ecological Role

of flowering plants; larval on Viola . Serves as for birds, , and other .

Human Relevance

Subject of interest for watchers and . Potential for montane meadow health.

Similar Taxa

Speyeria atlantisClosely related with overlapping range; historically confused taxonomically; GBIF currently treats S. hesperis irene as synonym of S. atlantis
Speyeria cybeleSimilar size and general appearance; greater spangled fritillary has broader distribution and different pattern details
Speyeria hesperis hesperisNominate ; geographic separation and subtle pattern differences

More Details

Taxonomic Status

The taxonomic status of this is currently unresolved. GBIF lists hesperis irene as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis, suggesting either that irene has been transferred to S. atlantis or that the broader S. hesperis/S. atlantis is undergoing revision. The Speyeria , particularly the atlantis/hesperis/cybele complex, has a of taxonomic instability with subspecies frequently reclassified.