Leonard Weber

December 19, 2023

Great Spangled Fritillary is a conspicuous and quite large * butterfly that can be found every summer in the Eliza Howell Park, visiting meadow wildflowers that bloom here (*wingspan of 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 inches).

The word “fritillary” comes from a Latin word and refers to the checkered pattern often found in this group of butterflies. “Spangled” refers to the sparkling or shiny look of this species.

Regardless of whether it is well-named, Great Spangled Fritillary definitely is pleasure to see when it shows up in the park.

Despite its size, its colorful appearance, its visits to common flowers in butterfly gardens, and its coast-to-coast range, my impression is that it is not often on the “I would like to see” list of many park visitors.

Great Spangled Fritillary spends the winter in the caterpillar stage, completing development in the spring. The caterpillars feed on various species of violets.

There is only one brood a year. I see the adult butterflies most often in July.

Presenting this series of 23 butterfly species has been a good way of reviewing what is present every year in the park as well as a reminder of some that I want to give more attention to.

Great Spangled Fritillary is one species that I hope to focus more on in the future, both in my own study and in pointing out to others. It is called “Great,” but it may not get the respect it merits.