Gulf Fritillary
Image: Gary Leavens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGulf Fritillary
Scientific NameAgraulis vanillae
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatGardens, fields, meadows, open woodlands, roadsides
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (Passion-flower)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods year-round in tropical areas; spring to fall in temperate regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on passion vines. The larvae are spiny, orange-red caterpillars with black stripes, feeding exclusively on passion flower leaves. Pupae are brown and resemble a dried leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright orange upperside with black spots and veins, and the distinctive large, reflective silvery spots on the underside of the hindwings (not visible in this dorsal view).
Description
This butterfly displays brilliant orange wings adorned with prominent black veins and scattered black spots on the upperside. The wing margins are edged with black, creating a scalloped appearance on the hindwings.
