The
Variegated Fritillary is widespread and common in the southern U.S. It
is mainly found in grasslands, farmland, roadsides and other open areas;
mountain meadows, everywhere but dense forests. Frequently strays
northward in such numbers as to become common all the way to Canada. Its
flight is low and direct, with very little swooping or diving, and it is
an avid visitor of flowers and other liquid sources.
Life cycle:
Eggs are cream-colored, ribbed, laid on various hostplants including
violets and
pansies
(Viola), Flax (Linum), Passionflower, stonecrop, moonseed, and
plantain. Caterpillar to 32mm ( 1¼"),
white with red banding, black spines. Red head has two long black
spines. Pupa (chrysalis) 19mm (¾"),
pale shiny blue with black, yellow and orange marks with gold bumps.
Adult butterflies can overwinter only in the south. Flies spring to
fall, with 2-3 broods. Range: Resident Arizona - Florida,
southern plains. Emigrates to Southern California, Southern British
Columbia, NW Territories and Quebec.
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