- Diana Fritillary
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Diana Fritillary 
Male 
Living specimen Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Family: Nymphalidae Genus: Speyeria Species: S. diana Binomial name Speyeria diana
(Cramer, 1779)[1]The Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana) is a dimorphic butterfly found in several wooded areas in southern and eastern North America (primarily in the Arkansas River valley, several counties in South Carolina, and spots along the Appalachian mountain range). The butterfly is the official insect of the state of Arkansas. Males of the species exhibit an orange color on the edges of their wings, with a burnt orange underwing which does not have the typical silver scales found in most fritillary species. The female is dark blue, with dark, almost dusty underwings[2] and is much larger than the male.[citation needed]
The larvae feed on violet leaves. Dianas are unusual in that they do not lay eggs directly on the host plant, instead scattering the eggs around the plant. Upon hatching larva burrow into the ground over winter to emerge in spring. Adults feed on flower nectar and dung.[2]
References
- ^ "Speyeria diana Cramer 1779". http://www.eol.org/pages/162627. Retrieved 2009-11-17.
- ^ a b "Diana, Butterflies and Moths of North America". http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1674. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
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