The Variegated Fritillary is a shapely butterfly that has somewhat scalloped edges and wavy black lines on the upper side of its orange wings. The undersides of its wings are tan and brown, making it resemble a dead leaf.

 

“Variegated Fritillary” by Ken Slade, licensed under (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Variegated Fritillary Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Heliconiinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 3 1/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Open sunny areas such as prairies, fields, pastures, road edges, and landfills

 

Variegated Fritillary Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Passion Flower
• Violets
• Pansies
• Purslane
• Woodland Stonecrop

Nectar Plants:

• Butterfly Bush
• Butterfly Milkweed
• Common Milkweed
• Swamp Milkweed
• Dogbane
• Red Clover
• Tickseed
• Peppermint
• Zinnia