About Speyeria hydaspe (Boisduval, 1869)
Speyeria hydaspe, commonly known as the Hydaspe fritillary, is a species of orange-brown butterfly. It occurs in western regions of the United States and Canada. This is a small fritillary species that typically has cream-colored spots on its underwing. The subspecies native to Vancouver Island is an exception, with silver spots instead. It resembles the related species S. zerene and S. atlantis, but can be told apart by the smooth, even appearance of its postmedian spotband. The caterpillars of this butterfly feed on violets, including the species Viola glabella. This butterfly produces only one brood per year; adults fly from July through September and feed on flower nectar. Hydaspe fritillaries can be found in moist forests, forest clearings, and subalpine meadows.
