Euptoieta claudia, the variegated fritillary, is a North and South American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.

Their flight is low and swift, but even when resting or nectaring, this species is extremely difficult to approach, and, because of this, its genus name was taken from the Greek word euptoietos meaning "easily scared".

The Mexican fritillary is brighter orange, the upper side of its hindwing basal area is unmarked, and the underside of its wings is plainer, with no submarginal spots or median black lines.

[2][8] Here is a list of some of the flowers that the variegated fritillary uses as nectar plants: Males actively patrol for females.

[13][page needed][11] The chrysalis is mainly shiny white, with small black spots, a variable amount of brown markings, and orange and gold tubercules.