Great Spangled Fritillaries at Fermilab

Although butterflies do not appear to be as abundant in 2002 as they were in 2001, recent warm weather has brought them out. Among the largest and most beautiful are the Great Spangled Fritillaries, found in open areas near the edges of woods at Fermilab. I happened upon a mating pair of Great Spangled Fritillaries, and showing no respect for their privacy, snapped this photo.

The female is on the right with wings partially open. The Interpretive Trail near the woods is a good place to observe these marvelous orange butterflies.

Tom Peterson, scientist at Fermilab