Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1381105

Regal Fritillary
Speyeria idalia

Observation date: June 01, 2024
Submitted by: James Steen
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Netted on echinacea, quite involved in necter so easy to catch. Allowed to calm down after photos to fly off normally. Mid 80s, clear, calm and very humid.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: June 01, 2024
Coordinator notes: Nice surprise walking into my backyard on a purple coneflower. Decided to catch, identify in pics and release as I do with all butterflies I decide to net. This is a fairly fresh male of species. My residential property is located on the edge of town, beyond that are primarily wheat fields. Some native prairie should be to my northwest I have not explored yet but with S. Idalia appearing I need to seek out populations close by. This guy was perhaps slightly early in season as well. This species should be found just over border from me in Oklahoma, namely Alfalfa, Garfield and Grant Counties as I've driven thru those areas and noticed a good amount of native prairie acreage. Love discovering I have this gorgeous prairie dependent butterfly in my area. This is definitely a county record for Harper County. JAMES STEEN
Checklist region(s): United States, Kansas, Harper County