Gulf Fritillary

What it is

The Gulf fritillary or passion butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) is a bright orange butterfly of the family Nymphalidae and subfamily Heliconiinae. That subfamily was formerly set apart as a separate family, the Heliconiidae. The Heliconiinae are "longwing butterflies", which have long, narrow wings compared to other butterflies. Gulf fritillary is the only member of genus Agraulis.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find them in the southern US, especially in Florida and along the Gulf Coast, but they can migrate north. They like open, sunny areas with lots of flowers and passion vines.

How to find it

Look for them in gardens, fields, and open sunny areas where passion vines grow. They love to land on brightly colored flowers to drink nectar.

Best time of day

Sunny days, from mid-morning to late afternoon. Active from spring through fall, even in winter in very warm areas.

How it lives

What it eats

As caterpillars: passion vine leaves. As adults: nectar from many types of flowers.

What eats it

Birds, lizards, spiders, predatory insects.

Worth knowing

• Their caterpillars have spines, which warn predators that they might not taste good.
• The adult butterflies can travel long distances during migration.
• The shimmery silver spots on their underwings are very pretty and help them camouflage.
• Female Gulf Fritilleries lay their eggs one at a time on passion vine leaves.
• The caterpillars are bright orange with black spines, and they eat a lot!
• When they warm up in the sun, their orange color becomes even brighter.

Why it matters

Gulf Fritillaries are important pollinators, helping plants make seeds. They are also food for birds and other insects.