Great Spangled Fritillary
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Great Spangled Fritillary Great Spangled Fritillaries occur in the upper half of Alabama. They are single-brooded, with their only flight beginning in May. Females aestivate during summer months and are rarely seen; they return to an active lifestyle in late summer. Great Spangled Fritillaries are found in open, sunny areas. They are strong fliers and avid nectarers. © Sara Bright • Large • Sexes are similar. Females are larger; brown areas on the inner wings are darker dorsally and ventrally. • May be confused with male Diana Fritillaries. Dorsally, GSF’s are marked with spots, chevrons, and reticulations that male Dianas lack. Ventrally, Great Spangled Fritillaries have a wide yellow submarginal band between two rows of silver spots that male Dianas lack. Great Spangled Fritillaries are somewhat smaller than Dianas, but this size difference may be difficult to discern unless butterflies are seen together. Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Great Spangled Fritillary Dorsal Male Golden orange wings ornamented with dark spots, chevrons, and reticulations Brown on inner third of wings Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele © Sara Bright * Highly* Reliablereliable markersdiagnostic (when markers applicable) Wingspan: 2½ - 4 inches (6.3 - 10.1 cm) Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Great Spangled Fritillary Dorsal Female Golden orange wings ornamented with dark spots, chevrons, and reticulations Dark brown on inner third of wings Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele © Jerry Green * Highly* Reliablereliable markersdiagnostic (when markers applicable) Wingspan: 2½ - 4 inches (6.3 - 10.1 cm) Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Great Spangled Fritillary Ventral Male Golden orange forewing ornamented with dark spots, chevrons, and reticulations Wide pale band between rows of large silver spots or "spangles.“ Golden brown on inner two-thirds of wing; contains silver spots Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele © Sara Bright * Highly* Reliablereliable markersdiagnostic (when markers applicable) Wingspan: 2½ - 4 inches (6.3 - 10.1 cm) Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Great Spangled Fritillary Ventral Female Golden orange forewing ornamented with dark spots, chevrons, and reticulations Wide pale band between rows of large silver spots or "spangles.“ Reddish-brown on inner two-thirds of wings; contains silver spots Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele © Sara Bright * Highly* Reliablereliable markersdiagnostic (when markers applicable) Wingspan: 2½ - 4 inches (6.3 - 10.1 cm) Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Great Spangled Fritillary Male/Female Ventral Comparison FEMALE: Larger Darker on inner wing surface MALE: Smaller Lighter on inner wing surface Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele © Sara Bright * Highly* Reliablereliable markersdiagnostic (when markers applicable) Wingspan: 2½ - 4 inches (6.3 - 10.1 cm) Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Dorsal Great Spangled Fritillary Similar Species Great Spangled Fritillary Diana Fritillary © Jerry Green © Sara Bright Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org Ventral Great Spangled Fritillary Similar Species Great Spangled Fritillary Diana Fritillary © Sara Bright © Sara Bright Alabama Butterfly Atlas | alabama.butterflyatlas.org.