Speyeria cybele leto

Common Name
Leto Fritillary

Our largest Frit, and the one showing the most dramatic sexual dimorphism. Leto is widespread at and above 5000' but is never common; many populations seem to be at very low density-just a few pairs per year. The preferred habitat is moist meadows adjacent to forest. Females wander a great deal and often turn up far from "home." There is one brood (July-October; late in the season one sees only females). The hosts, as always for Speyeria, are undetermined Violets. Adults visit Giant Hyssop (Agastache), Alfalfa, Milkweed, Dogbane, Aster, Goldenrod, Thistles and Rabbitbrush and probably others.