Species Insects & ArthropodsGulf Fritillary

Gulf Fritillary

Agraulis vanillae

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)

The Gulf Fritillary is a bright orange butterfly with elongated wings bearing black-rimmed white spots and a spectacular silver-spotted underside. Despite its name and orange fritillary-like appearance, it is a member of the Heliconiidae family, not a true fritillary. It undergoes seasonal migrations along the Gulf Coast and is a beloved garden butterfly wherever passion vines grow.

Habitat
Gardens, open areas, and fields with passion vine
Diet
Larvae: passion vine exclusively. Adults: nectar from many flowers
How common
Common

Recent Gulf Fritillary sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Gulf Fritillary? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More insects & arthropods

13-Year Periodical Cicada
13-Year Periodical Cicada
Magicicada tredecim
Acmon Blue
Acmon Blue
Plebejus acmon
Acorn Ant
Acorn Ant
Temnothorax curvispinosus
Acorn Weevil
Acorn Weevil
Curculio glandium
Aerial Yellowjacket
Aerial Yellowjacket
Dolichovespula arenaria
Alderfly
Alderfly
Sialis lutaria
Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee
Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee
Megachile rotundata
Ambush Bug
Ambush Bug
Phymata americana