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Issoria lathonia
The Queen of Spain Fritillary has very distinctive large silver spots on the underside hindwings so this butterfly is unlikely to be confused with any other species. Both sexes are very similar in appearance, although the female is slightly larger, with a shorter abdomen and a more greenish hue around the base of the upperside wings. The caterpillars are velvety black, heavily sprinkled with tiny white dots, and adorned with rows of dull orange spikes along the back and sides. They feed on Viola arvensis, V. tricolor, and V. odorata. When nectaring the wings are normally held almost fully outspread.
Evergreen oak and pine tree forest. Dehesa de Valdelatas
Camera Model: NIKON D500. Exposure Time: 1/500 sec.; f/10; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired. DSC_2692
Spotted on Jul 5, 2018
Submitted on Oct 29, 2018
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