The Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana) is a fritillary butterfly found in several wooded areas in southern and eastern North America (primarily in the Arkansas River valley, several counties in South Carolina, spots along the Appalachian Mountain range, and a few places on the southern Cumberland Plateau). The males of the species exhibit an orange color on the edges of their wings, with a burnt orange underwing. Females are dark blue, with dark, almost dusty underwings, and are also larger than males.

 

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

 

Diana Fritillary Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Violet (Viola species)

Nectar Plants:

• Common Milkweeds
• Swamp Milkweed
• Ironweed
• Red Clover
• Butterfly Bush