Gulf Fritillary Butterfly (Agraulis vanillae)
Gulf Fritillary
Copyright: Alfred Houser
The wings of this butterfly are like stained glass, artfully designed to maximize the beauty and light in a garden. The Gulf Fritillary is similar in size to the Monarch, but can be distinguished by the large grey patches on the underside of the wing. The wingspan is quite large and can gracefully carry this butterfly way out over the water in the Gulf region.
Before full maturation, the chrysalis looks much like a hanging dead leaf yet the larvae are quite unique with a bright orange body decorated with dark spikes. This butterfly is richly colored orange with orderly dark spots in the center and along the edge of the wing. One of the most striking species, you will be glad your garden attracted this butterfly.
Gulf Fritillary Photos, Facts, And Information
Orange and Grey Caterpillar with Spikes
Copyright: Nancy Dorsey
Orange Catpillar with Black Spines
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
Orange Larva with Black Spines Pupating
Copyright: Heather Unger
Brown Curvy Chrysalis
Copyright: Fred Miller
Female Gulf Fritillary
Copyright: Nancy Dorsey
Butterfly Red Legs Holding on Pupa
Copyright: Heather Unger
Butterfly Drying Wings
Copyright: Heather Unger
Gulf Fritillary Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Gulf Fritillary: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Gulf Fritillary: (What is this?)
Bee Balm, Blazing Stars, Butterfly Bush, Egyptian Star Cluster, Hibiscus, Lantana, Licorice Mint, Salvia, Stokes' Aster, Zinnia, and more
Gulf Fritillary Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Longwing (Heliconiinae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 2 1/2 in. to 3 3/4 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Gardens, open woodlands
Similar To: Great Spangled Fritillary
Gulf Fritillary Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
