This special edition concerns the Diana Fritillary. The Diana Fritillary (Argynnis diana or Speyeria diana) is Arkansas’ state butterfly. The exclusive larval host plant for the Diana Fritillary is various species of violets, particularly woodland and forest-dwelling violets. (I didn’t know this; but will have a greater appreciation for violets in the future.) Female butterflies lay their eggs in the leaf litter near violets in late summer. (Don’t rake your leaves, please.) The caterpillars hatch, overwinter, and then feed on the fresh violet leaves and flowers in the spring. Thus, to support a breeding population, a moist, rich forest margin with an abundance of violets is required.

It is considered rare, uncommon, and a species of conservation concern. While it was historically common across much of the central and eastern United States, it has experienced a severe decline in population and range since the 1900s. From Google AI: 

Current Conservation Status

• Global Ranking: NatureServe ranks the butterfly as G2G3 (Imperiled to Vulnerable).
• Xerces Red List: Listed as Vulnerable, meaning it faces a moderate to high risk of extinction.
• Habitat Projections: Recent studies warn that its available habitat could decline by up to 90% by the year 2050 due to climate change and human impact.

The Diana Fritillary is no longer found across its entire historical range. Instead, it survives only in isolated pockets within two main regions:

• Southern Appalachians: Stretching from central Virginia and West Virginia down through the mountains of northern Georgia and Alabama.
• Interior Highlands: Located in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains of Arkansas, Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma.

My first observation of a Diana Fritillary was of a male at Middle Fork Barrens on June 1, 2015, shortly after moving to Hot Springs Village (photos via i_hone 5 were unsatisfactory to publish). For the next few years, the Diana Fritillary photo fix was achieved by a visit to the natural area. For the next few years, it seemed like a single male would fly through the backyard each year during the season. The first photographed was a male, observed on June 5, 2018.

However, the Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area, just a few minutes from Hot Springs Village, provided many opportunities to view both the males and females nectaring on Bee Balm blooms. 

And then, the pollinator garden begun in late spring 2024 drew a bit longer stop for the single male Diana Fritillary. However, it was the only one.

Things improved, though. On May 30, 2025, a single male appeared in the pollinator garden.

And then a week later, on June 6, 2025, a single female appeared.

Subsequently, through August, a few more would show up, one at a time. 

This season, 2026, has been quite productive in terms of observing Diana Fritillaries. The first male was seen on May 26, followed by a female on May 29.

On June 5, 2026, three female Diana Fritillaries and one male were observed in the garden at the same time; the females rejected any and all advances from the males, but we hope to have some eggs soon!

Kay continues being busy in retirement, playing pickleball and golf several times a week, and now playing bridge several times a month. Church and philanthropic organizations also keep her busy. 

We hosted the monthly Hand and Foot night on Wednesday, May 20, and wouldn’t you know it, Bev Graham and I came in last place, while Kay and her partner won $2 for 3rd place. We also attend the weekly Taco Tuesday when schedules allow, joining our “Palm Creek” friends at the Granada Grill, a Mexican restaurant just a couple minutes from the house (thanks Donald Baggett for taking care of the details). 

Family highlights of this reporting period were a day visit by Karyn, Ridge, and Aker (beach time at Balboa and pickleball) and a dance recital in Memphis for Sutton and Harper (we did enjoy a short visit beforehand with Jenny, Linc, and Sutton).

Being unable to play pickleball and golf because of this freak groin strain/tear has provided time to piddle around the house, doing limited yard and garden work, and spending some time in the shop, mainly organizing—or reorganizing—and constantly blowing away dust and sawdust. I did build a prototype patio side table, using mostly scrap lumber, and it turned out better than expected.

The pollinator garden continues to attract pollinators, and we continue planting pollinating flowers.

Two years ago Kay and I embarked on a quest to build a pollinator garden (actually intend an evergreen bed) to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Thus, this is the third growing season for the garden. It has been a huge success as its first season attracted 44 species of butterflies. The season of 2025 yielded a cursory count of 27 species, though we were traveling most of June and half of July. Numbers for the 2026 season thus far (as of May 31, 2026) include 13 species.

Of course, there’s always time for photo shoots in the garden and lake side. On Saturday, May 16, only an American Lady butterfly and Calico Pennant dragonfly were photographed.

And then on Tuesday, May 19, I hit the photo jackpot with a visit to nearby Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area. A number of beautiful wildflower blooms were photographed.

Also, a few butterflies were flitting about, including male Diana Fritillaries, a target species for the visit.

And a solitary dragonfly landed long enough to be photographed.

On Wednesday, May 20, a Great Spangled Fritillary and Northern Brokendash honored us with their presence.

Not to be outdone, a Calico Pennant and Eastern Amberwing, respectively, landed for photographs.

On the following day, a Monarch caterpillar was spotted munching on a butterfly weed leaf—it was our first Monarch caterpillar. And then, a Gray Hairstreak and an adult Monarch showed up.

And then to end the month of photos, a Northern Cloudywing and a male Diana Fritillary were observed nectaring on Tuesday, May 26.