The Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana) is a striking butterfly found in wooded areas of the southern and eastern United States, especially in the Arkansas River Valley, parts of South Carolina, along sections of the Appalachian Mountains, and on the southern Cumberland Plateau. Males have orange-tipped wings with a rich, burnt-orange coloration on the underside. Females are larger and deep blue, with dusky, dark underwings that give them a more muted appearance.

 

Male

“Diana Fritillary” by Sara Bright

 

Female

Licensed under (CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication)

 

Diana Fritillary Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Heliconiinae

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

Butterfly Habitat: Open fields and woodland areas

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Violets (Viola spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

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

• Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)