As summer draws to a close (the vernal equinox wasn’t that long ago, was it), I thought it appropriate to focus on another butterfly. This time, Euptoieta claudia, the variegated fritillary. This species was described by Cramer in 1775. It is known from both North and South America. Adults are fast fliers and difficult to approach. In fact, the genus name comes from the Greek “euptoietos” which means easily scared. Adults are often found in open and disturbed habitats. You may be fortunate to still see them flying in early October.

Frank Hitchell collected and photographed this specimen (found in Peoria County).