The Aphrodite Fritillary is a striking orange butterfly commonly found in open fields and meadows. With wings spread, the upperside (dorsal) displays vibrant orange coloring marked by several rows of black chevrons and dots along the edges, with fine dark lines extending across the forewings. When the wings are closed, the underside (ventral) reveals a rich orange-brown base adorned with several rows of prominent white spots, creating a beautiful contrast that aids camouflage among flowers and grasses.

 

“Aphrodite Fritillary” by Ottawa County Parks, licensed by (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Aphrodite Fritillary Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Heliconiinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 2 1/2 – 3 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Moist prairies, high mountain meadows, openings in barrens, brushland, dry fields, open oak woods, and bogs

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Violets (Viola spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Aphrodite Fritillary butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of native flowers:

• Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)