White Mountains Mormon Fritillary

Speyeria mormonia luski

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Speyeria mormonia luski: /ˈspaɪəriə mɔːrˈmoʊniə ˈlʌski/

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Summary

Speyeria mormonia luski, or the White Mountains Mormon Fritillary, is a subspecies of the Mormon fritillary butterfly found across western North America, notable for its unique mating behavior, host plant associations, and wide habitat range. It exhibits extreme protandry with male emergence 2-3 weeks before females and relies on various violet species for larval sustenance.

Physical Characteristics

The Mormon Fritillary is relatively small compared to other fritillaries. Their wings are orange with small black patches, except for the ventral hindwing, which exhibits a green tinge with light silver streaks. Average wingspan ranges from 25-27mm for females and 23-26mm for males, though these values may vary among populations.

Identification Tips

Look for orange wings with small black patches and a ventral hindwing that has a green tinge accented by light silver streaks, varying in appearance among subspecies.

Habitat

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

Distribution

Found throughout western North America, with significant populations in both the United States and Canada. Notable populations in the Yukon, British Columbia, Rocky Mountains, California, and Nevada.

Diet

Larvae feed on species of violet (Viola), with adults feeding on nectar from Compositae plants and mud puddles for sodium.

Life Cycle

Eggs are oviposited near host plants; larvae diapause as early instars during winter, pupate with females pupating later than males, and adults have a lifespan varying from 10 to 40 days.

Reproduction

Males emerge at least two weeks prior to females. Females usually mate only once, while males often mate multiple times, resulting in a skewed sex ratio towards males.

Conservation Status

Not under threat; conservation efforts are generally not necessary.

Ecosystem Role

Predominantly a pollinator, involved in local nectar networks.