spangled

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Spangle: to sprinkle or stud with small, bright pieces, objects, spots, etc.

It's July. It's spangled!

The great spangled fritillary (love that name) is a common butterfly throughout its range. It’s also one of the largest of the greater fritillaries—as opposed to being one of the smallest of the lesser fritillaries. The lesser fritillaries are found much farther north: the colder climes of the Canadian provinces. (I wonder what it would feel like to be designated the least of the lessers?)

The greater fritillaries are creatures of the summer sun. Although most common in July, we have been seeing these orange butterflies with black and sparkling white spots at Ijams Nature Center since May. They are often seen at nectar sources such as common milkweed, thistles or Joe Pye weed in open fields or woodland edges. They are also known as "silvered" butterflies because the white spots on the back of their wings look metallic; they glisten in the sunlight.

- Photo taken at Ijams Nature Center on the Universal Trail

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