Great Spangled Fritillary 
Speyeria cybele

Great Spangled Fritillary is a large orange beauty with rounded wings. It is common in the Mountains and uncommon but regular southward to Coweta County, perhaps following the southwesterly course of the Chattahoochee River. There is one protracted flight beginning in mid-May and lasting until mid-September. Eggs are laid near or on the base of the hostplants, violets (Viola spp.). Caterpillars overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to eat the leaves of violets, which flourish in moist hardwood forests and open meadows. Early Date: May 9 (Dawson County); Late Date: September 17 (Dade County). Conservation Status: Secure, but needs intact habitat where leaf litter if undisturbed.