Speyeria mormonia opis

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Speyeria mormonia opis: //spɛˈjɛriə mɔrˈmoʊniə ˈoʊpɪs//

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Summary

Speyeria mormonia opis, the Mormon fritillary, is a diverse butterfly species noted for its protandry, where males emerge significantly earlier than females. It thrives in varied habitats across western North America and feeds on violets as larvae and nectar sources as adults, with peculiar behaviors like mud puddling observed in adults.

Physical Characteristics

The wings are orange with small black patches, while the ventral hindwing has a green tinge accented by light silver streaks. Males have a wingspan of 23-26mm while females range from 25-27mm, with variations observed between populations and subspecies.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive orange wing coloration with black patches, and note the silvery streaks on the ventral hindwing which can vary in appearance between subspecies.

Habitat

S. mormonia occupies rocky mountainsides, saturated meadows, open grasslands, and clearings within pine forests, typically found at higher elevations with populations occurring in semi-isolated patches.

Distribution

Found throughout western North America, with significant populations in the United States and Canada, including the Yukon region, British Columbia, Colorado Rocky Mountains, and mesic areas of California and Nevada.

Diet

Larval host plants are species of violet (Viola), while adults feed on nectar from Compositae plants and also engage in mud puddling for nutrients, particularly sodium.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid near host plants in leaf debris. Larvae diapause as early instars in winter. Pupation timing differs by sex, with females pupating later to gather more nutrients. Males emerge before females, with a lifespan varying from 10 to 40 days.

Reproduction

Males emerge two weeks prior to females, allowing them to mate multiple times. Females usually mate once, receiving sodium from males during mating which supports egg production. Females oviposit near but not on host plants.

Conservation Status

Not under threat, conservation efforts generally unnecessary.

Ecosystem Role

S. mormonia plays a role in pollination as adults feed on nectar; larvae contribute to the nutrient cycling of their host plants.

Evolution

S. mormonia exhibits high genetic variability compared to other Speyeria due to its wide distribution and differentiation into several subspecies.