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Nectar
sources used by the adult Callippe Fritillary Butterfly
The adult Callippe Fritillary Butterfly is
very fond of Monardella
flowers, as are most butterflies. The Butterfly above is
feeding on an annual species of Monardella. However there are
many perennial species that are very popular to butterflies that
are native to California. One of the most attractive is
Monardella
antonina. This one is a small fragrant herb with
multitudes of purple flowers. This plant is a hit with
hummingbirds as well as butterflies.
The adult Callippe Fritillary Butterfly feeds on Sages, Salvia Species. In the picture on the right, one can be seen feeding on a Salvia 'Pozo Blue'. This sage is great for many native gardens in California. It is very drought tolerant and covered in light blue flowers in spring. It has an excellent fragrance.
Larval
food plant of the Callippe Fritillary Butterfly
The
Callippe Fritillary Butterfly larva feeds on wild Violets, Viola
pedunculata. The larva are nocturnal and usually are not
seen during the day. There are many native violets in California
ranging in color from Purple to white. However this violet, Viola
pedunculata, is yellow. It is found in open oak woodlands
usually under Blue oaks, Quercus
douglasii. They seem to prefer clay soil, as does the
Blue oak, although they can be seen in decomposed granite as
well.
If you are trying to id this one, take many pictures of many if possible as it is vary variable. Look at many books as the pictures often do not match with the one you happen to have.
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Las
Pilitas Nursery
Male and probably female Callippe fritillaries on a Showy Milkweed. |
The Callippe Fritilary Butterfly is very variable in Central California. |
