Diana fritillary

Description:

The Diana fritillary is a butterfly that exhibits sexual dimorphism. Females are dark blue, with dark, almost dusty underwings, and are also larger than males.

Habitat:

Spotted visiting thistle in a meadow along the Ouachita River.

Notes:

The Diana fritillary is the state butterfly of Arkansas. The larvae feed on violet leaves. Dianas are unusual in that they do not lay their eggs directly on the host plant, instead scattering the eggs around the base of the plant. Upon hatching, larvae burrow into the ground over winter to emerge in spring. Adults feed on flower nectar and dung.