Hydaspe fritillary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hydaspe fritillary |
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The Hydaspe fritillary (scientific name: Speyeria hydaspe) is a beautiful orange-brown butterfly. You can find it in the western parts of the United States and Canada. It's a small butterfly, known for its pretty spots.
About the Hydaspe Fritillary
This butterfly is a type of "fritillary," which means it belongs to a group of butterflies often known for their checkered patterns and bright colors. The Hydaspe fritillary usually has cream-colored spots on the underside of its wings. However, a special type found on Vancouver Island has shiny silver spots instead!
It looks a lot like two other butterflies, S. zerene and S. atlantis. But you can tell the Hydaspe fritillary apart by looking at the smooth, even line of spots across the middle of its wings.
Where They Live
Hydaspe fritillaries like to live in places that are a bit damp. You can often spot them in moist forests. They also enjoy clearings within these forests and open subalpine meadows. These meadows are found high up in mountains, just below the tree line.
Life Cycle and Food
The caterpillars of the Hydaspe fritillary have a favorite food: violets! They especially like a type of violet called Viola glabella.
Adult Hydaspe fritillaries fly during the summer and early fall. They are usually seen from July through September. During this time, they feed on nectar from various flowers. They only have one "brood" or generation of butterflies each year.
