| Speyeria edwardsii (Reakirt, 1866) |
| Status: Common local resident within range |
| Flight Period(s): One flight – recorded in Nebraska from 23 May – 25 September. |
| Range: Edwards’ Frillilary is found from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan south to northern New Mexico. In Nebraska it is found primarilly in the panhandle although it ranges east along the Niobrara River to at least Brown and Keya Paha counties and has also been found in the loess hills of south central Nebraska. |
| Larval Hostplant(s): Violets, of which the Yellow Prairie Violet (Viola nuttallii) is the only verified hostplant to occur in the state. Others violets are almost certainly utilized. |
| Overwinter: As unfed caterpillars |
| Commentary/Habitat: In western Nebraska Edwards’ Fritillary is one of the first fritillaries to emerge, occasionally being found as early as late May. In years they are common several individuals are often found on single thistle or hairy vervain flowers. The species can occasionally be found in hilly high plains environments but is a consistant resident of ponderosa pine forests of the panhandle where it can be found in both upland and valley meadows. |
| Similar Species: Speyeria callippe and Speyeria coronis |
