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Speyeria aphrodite
Aphrodite fritillaries and Great Spangled Fritillaries are very similar; so similar that I just now discovered that the butterfly on the right is an Aphrodite. The only way I could tell them apart was the Aphrodite has a narrower cream submarginal band on the hindwing underwing. In the second pic the Aphrodite is in the foreground.
Aphrodite prefers more wooded, cooler areas than Great Spangled Fritillaries but often occurs with it; in Midwest moist prairies are also used. Great Spangled Fritillary's habitat is open fields and meadows, roadsides, etc. Prefers moist areas on rich soil.
Host plant for both Great Spangled Fritillary and Aphrodite Fritillary is violet (viola).
Spotted on Jun 7, 2007
Submitted on Dec 29, 2012
5 Comments
Thank you so much Gilma Jeannette ! And you're welcome. I try to plant for butterflies, moths and hummingbirds.
Lovely butterflies. Not surprise to see so many butterflies there, the garden looks amazing!! if i was a butterfly I would want to be there! Thank you for sharing, DianePlatcoBrooks.
Thank you JohnD
Thank you Marybeth
oh WOW! amazing colors :o)