Hodges#4461

Speyeria mormonia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Heliconiinae
Tribe: Argynnini
Genus: Speyeria
Species: mormonia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Speyeria mormonia: //spaɪˈɛriə mɔrˈmoʊniə//

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Images

Summary

Speyeria mormonia, the Mormon fritillary, is a diverse and widely distributed butterfly across western North America. Its life cycle includes distinct phases, with notable protandry in mating behavior and adaptability in habitat.

Physical Characteristics

The Mormon fritillary has orange wings with small black patches, and the ventral hindwing features a green tinge accented by light silver streaks which have variable reflective qualities among subspecies. Female wingspan ranges from 25-27mm; males range from 23-26mm.

Identification Tips

Look for orange wings with black patches and note the distinct variations in silver streaks on the hindwings across subspecies. Observe the size difference in wingspan between males and females.

Habitat

Occupies a wide range of habitats including rocky mountainsides, saturated meadows, open grasslands, and clearings within pine forests, often at higher elevations and in small, semi-isolated patches.

Distribution

Found throughout western North America, with significant populations in the United States and Canada. Subspecies present from the Yukon through British Columbia and across various regions in the United States, such as the Colorado Rocky Mountains and California.

Diet

Larvae feed on various species of violets (Viola spp.), with no specific preference noted. Adult feeding occurs on nectar from plants in the Compositae family and at mud puddles, particularly by males and older females.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid near hostplants; larvae enter diapause as early instars, cease feeding in winter, and become dependent on violets in late instars. Females pupate later than males, having adult males emerge 2-3 weeks before females.

Reproduction

Mating is protandrous, with males emerging before females, allowing them to mate multiple times. Females typically mate once and deposit eggs near host plants after mating.

Conservation Status

Not under threat and generally does not require conservation efforts.