Speyeria mormonia washingtonia
(Barnes & McDunnough, 1913)
Washington's Fritillary
Speyeria mormonia washingtonia is a of Mormon fritillary in the Nymphalidae. It belongs to a of greater fritillaries known for their close ecological association with violet plants. As a subspecies, it represents a geographically distinct within the broader Speyeria mormonia found in western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Speyeria mormonia washingtonia: /spaɪˈɪəriə mɔrˈmoʊniə ˌwɔʃɪŋˈtoʊniə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
Recorded from the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The epithet "washingtonia" suggests a broader western North American range, though specific boundaries relative to other S. mormonia subspecies are not well documented in the provided sources.
Similar Taxa
- Speyeria cybeleLarger greater fritillary with similar orange and black wing pattern; distinguished by silvery spots on wing undersides and larger size (wingspan 2.25–4 inches)
- Speyeria atlantisAnother greater fritillary with comparable preferences and visual navigation ; specific morphological distinctions require close examination
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- Catalogue of Life
- UC Davis Seminar: 'Insect Conservation in an Uncertain Future' | Bug Squad
- Bohart Museum Butterfly Donor Chuck Hageman Leaves a Lasting Legacy | Bug Squad
- Two other orange and black butterflies: Variegated fritillary, Euptoieta claudia, and great spangled fritillary, Speyeria cybele — Bug of the Week
- Speyeria atlantis Archives - Entomology Today
- The Eyes Have It: How Butterflies Navigate to Suitable Habitat
- USPS Issues Butterfly Postage Stamp