Gulf Fritillary
Common NameGulf Fritillary
Scientific NameAgraulis vanillae
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, gardens, roadsides, forest edges, and urban areas where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Host PlantsPassion-flower vines (Passiflora spp.)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical and subtropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate areas.
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves or tendrils of passion-flower vines. Larvae are spiny, orange-brown with black stripes, feeding exclusively on Passiflora. Pupae are brown and resemble a dead leaf or twig, camouflaging them effectively.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive bright orange upperside with black markings and the prominent silver spots on the underside of its hindwings. Its spiny, orange-brown caterpillars are typically found on passion-flower vines.
Description
The Gulf Fritillary is a medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings on the upperside, adorned with black markings and a row of black spots along the hindwing margin. The underside is duller, featuring large, reflective silver spots.
