About Great Spangled Fritillary
Large orange butterfly with heavy black markings and silver spots on the hindwing underside. Common across much of North America.
Did You Know?
Newly hatched caterpillars do not eat until the following spring after overwintering.
How to Identify Great Spangled Fritillary
Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 62-88 mm wingspan.
Great Spangled Fritillary Habitat
Great Spangled Fritillary is found in farmland habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Great Spangled Fritillary Diet and Feeding
Great Spangled Fritillary feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Great Spangled Fritillary Found?
Great Spangled Fritillary can be found in North America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Great Spangled Fritillary can be found
Is Great Spangled Fritillary Dangerous?
Great Spangled Fritillary is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Great Spangled Fritillary Role in Nature
Great Spangled Fritillary plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Spangled Fritillary
What does Great Spangled Fritillary look like?
The Great Spangled Fritillary typically measures 62-88 mm wingspan.
Where is Great Spangled Fritillary found?
The Great Spangled Fritillary is found in North America and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Great Spangled Fritillary eat?
The Great Spangled Fritillary feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Great Spangled Fritillary dangerous to humans?
The Great Spangled Fritillary is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Great Spangled Fritillary?
Newly hatched caterpillars do not eat until the following spring after overwintering.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/great-spangled-fritillary
MLA:
"Great Spangled Fritillary." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/great-spangled-fritillary.