insect · GBIF taxon 1907711
Gulf Fritillary
Agraulis vanillaeAlso known as Passion Butterfly
Gulf fritillaries are bright orange butterflies with elongated wings and striking, metallic silver spots on their undersides. They are highly active flyers, frequently seen fluttering around passion flower vines where females deposit their yellow eggs. The caterpillars are bright orange with black, branched spines, warning predators of the toxins they ingest from their host plant.
DiurnalMigratoryColorful
- diet
- Nectar from flowers including lantana, shepherd's needle, and cordia
- family
- Nymphalidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, pesticide use, and severe winter freezes
- life Span
- 14 to 30 days as adults
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Plant Passionvines: Grow native passionflower species to attract egg-laying females to your garden.
- Watch the Underside: Look for the brilliant, flashing silver spots when the butterfly closes its wings.
- Avoid Pesticides: Refrain from using chemical sprays on host plants to protect the caterpillars.