Germination of arrow-leaved violet (Viola sagittata), a larval host plant of the Eastern Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia idalia) (Drury).

Abstract

The regal fritillary butterfly (Speyeria idalia) was once commonly observed throughout the eastern seaboard grasslands and mid-western prairies of the United States. Throughout its range Viola species are its preferred larval host plant. The eastern subspecies (Speyeria idalia idalia) feeds exclusively on arrow-leaved violet (Viola sagittata). Little is known about arrow-leaved violet germination specifics. Two treatment methods were applied to Viola sagittata seeds, scarification and fire simulation, to test success rates of germination. Results show that there was no significant difference between treatment methods and low germination rates were common among all groups.