(In full "Queen of Spain fritillary") a migratory fritillary butterfly, Issoria lathonia, widely distributed in mainland Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Moses Harris (1730–c1788), entomologist and artist.
Definition of Queen of Spain in US English:
Queen of Spain
noun
(In full "Queen of Spain fritillary") a migratory fritillary butterfly, Issoria lathonia, widely distributed in mainland Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Moses Harris (1730–c1788), entomologist and artist.