Great Spangled Fritillary - Speyeria cybele

Try not to feel too sorry for this tattered beauty. Its torn, scarred wings are a sign that it has lived a full life and has beat the odds. As I watched it, I pitied it at first, until I noticed how vigorous it still was. It flew with ease, fluttering around the butterfly bush and boldly nectaring beside bees and other butterflies. It wasn't feeling sorry for itself at all <3.

Habitat: Garden

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Well said, I think in most cases they are unbothered by this type of damage. Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks...And, yes -- they can still fly well, even with badly damaged wings. The hindwings are sort of like canoe rudders in that they help the butterfly make turns. This is very useful in avoiding predators, but the butterfly can still fly with only its forewings.
  
  Plus, they don't have pain receptors, so they don't feel pain. It's a good thing because this damage looks like it would have hurt! Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I didn't know about that role for each pair of wings, interesting! Posted 4 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Yep! The forewings give the lift and power, while the hindwings steer. Posted 4 years ago