Life history notes on the regal fritillary, Speyeria idalia (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in Kansas tallgrass prairie

Adult behaviors of the regal fritillary, Speyeria idalia (Drury), were studied in Kansas tallgrass prairie. Our objective was to determine nectar resources, adult emergence patterns, and behaviors throughout the flight period, which extends from early June to early October, Availability of nectar sources changed throughout the adult flight period. Adults exhibited extreme protandry; males emerged in early June (ca. 2 weeks before females) and showed flight patterns suggestive of searching for females, even though none were present. Mating occurred soon after females emerged, and most males were gone by July 10. Females reduced flight activity and remained hidden in clumps of plants from the time they eclosed (mid-June) until late August/early September. Females resumed flight activity a week prior to oviposition.