Fritillary butterfly

This common and beautiful butterfly has the scientific name of Speyeria cybele; cybele meaning “mountain mother” or “earth mother”. Here is some information on this summer visitor from the U.S. Forest Service:

“Like many other butterflies, their caterpillars are very selective about what they eat. They do not go for milkweeds as do monarchs; they prefer violets instead. Without violets, there would be no fritillaries. The adults, on the other hand are thirsty for nectar of many native flowers, such as mints, butterfly weed, common milkweed, Joe-pye-weed and others; but they do not hesitate to visit some non-native flowers such as lilacs, butterfly bush and some thistles. In general they prefer long tubular flowers, but they can also use some easy to reach, more open flowers.”

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/fritillary.shtml

Thanks to two members, we have stunning photos of these mountain mothers in action:           

Fritillary on butterfly weed, Terry L.

Fritillary on rare Piedmont Fameflower (Phemeranthus piedmontanus) Bob P.