The Great Spangled Fritillary is one of the largest fritillaries in eastern North America, with rich tawny-orange wings and a spectacular silver-spotted undersurface on the hindwing. Adults do not emerge until mid-summer but are then abundant on milkweed, coneflowers, and thistles. The larvae hatch in fall and overwinter before feeding on violets the following spring.
Habitat
Open woodlands, meadows, and moist fields
Diet
Larvae: violet leaves. Adults: nectar, especially milkweed
How common
Common
Recent Great Spangled Fritillary sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Great Spangled Fritillary? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free