Gulf Fritillary butterflies have a striking appearance and belong to the Nimphalidae family. They are characterized by their long wings (but do not belong to the longwing butterfly family called Heliconiidae). This species is not a true fritillary and has derived its name from these butterflies flying across the Gulf of Mexico. It draws in nectar as adults and feeds on the host plants during its caterpillar stage.
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Lepidoptera
Nymphalidae
Agraulis
Agraulis vanillae
Table Of Content
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Lepidoptera
Nymphalidae
Agraulis
Agraulis vanillae
Table of Contents
Description
Eggs
Eggs of these butterflies are yellow in color and are laid on the leaves of passionflowers.
Gulf Fritillary Chrysalis
Larva
The larva matures into a bright orange caterpillars which have several black spines along their body.
Chrysalis
As pupa it attains a spotted brown appearance. It grows to an average of 1.2 inches, and appears like a shriveled leaf.
Adult
They have a wingspan which ranges between 6 and 9 cm. The upper side of the wings is colored bright orange beautifully spotted with black. Forewings of these butterflies have three white spots bordered with black. The females appear darker than the males. The part below the wings has brownish shade in addition with white spots that are much longer.
Range and Distribution
It has a wide range in the US, Mexico, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Their population in southern California has greatly increased due to the rise in cultivation of passionflowers.
Habitat
These butterflies prefer sunny grounds, open fields, parks, meadows, and agricultural lands. They are frequently found in urban areas as well.
Behavior
It dries the dew drops on its body under the sun, every morning.
In their larval stage, their presence in large numbers can be detrimental to the plants they feed upon.
Diet
In the caterpillar stage, they eat leaves of various flowers including that of the passionflower. The adults embark on nectar-foraging spree by migrating towards the north.
Gulf Fritillary
Predators
Common predators are several bird species and larger insects.
Adaptations
They have a poisonous flesh which deters some potential predators (but not all).
Passionflowers from the passiflora species contains poison, which they absorb into their bodies while feeding on these particular flowers.
Mating Season
Mating is followed with courtship rituals which comprises “dance”. When the season for mating approaches, the white spots on their wings reflect light to attract potential partners.
Larval Host Plants
Corky-stemmed passionflower, blue passionflower, and maypop are some of the passionflower vine species that serve as their host plants.
Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar
Life Cycle
Like any other butterfly, they mature after a series of stages which include egg, larva, chrysalis and adult butterfly. Within a few days after laying eggs, the caterpillars emerge, and grows to about 1 inch in size. They forage on the host plant and molt in the process as their skin is stretched to the maximum during this phase.
The caterpillar eventually hangs itself from an object. During this phase, the chrysalis emerges after the final molting. Then, these lovely butterflies emerge and fly away to continue the same circle.
Life Span
The adults lifespan is limited to a few weeks. Their entire life cycle from egg is a few months long.
Migration
These butterflies are migratory in nature. They migrate towards the south with the approach of fall to stay there till winter fades. After overwintering in South Florida they again move north.
Gulf Fritillary Picture.
Conservation Status
IUCN has listed them under the “Least Concern” status.
Interesting Facts
Even slight touch can rip off the scales on its exterior wings.
