Queen of Spain Fritillary vs Red-bordered Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Queen of Spain Fritillary Red-bordered Metalmark
Scientific Name Issoria lathonia Caria ino
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Riodinidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 28-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa, temperate Asia South Texas through Mexico and Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Queen of Spain Fritillary

A powerful-flying fritillary with large, brilliant silver spots covering the underside of its hindwings. It is a restless migrant that can appear far outside its usual range.

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Did You Know?

Its massive silver underwing spots are thought to startle predators by flashing in flight like mirrors.

Red-bordered Metalmark

A dark metalmark butterfly with bright red-orange borders along the wing edges and metallic blue-green scaling at the wing bases. It perches with wings spread flat.

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Did You Know?

Males are fiercely territorial, perching on sunlit leaf surfaces and darting out at any passing insect.