Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae )

Identification

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly has bright orange wings with black markings around the border and three black-rimmed white spots on each forewing.  The average wingspan is 2 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches (63 - 95 mm).

The caterpillar is generally orange with black branched spines and greenish-black stripes along the body.

Habitat

The Gulf Fritillary prefers open spaces, areas with trees and backyard gardens.

Food

Both the caterpillar and butterfly feed on passion flowers. In Bermuda this includes the native Inkberry (Passiflora suberosa) and introduced Common Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea).

Life Cycle

Females lay 1 pale yellow egg on the upper side of the host plants leaves.  The egg hatches into an orange caterpillar with black spines, which feeds on the passionflower leaves. The Gulf Fritillary can have several generations per year.

​Remarks

This species is a resident. The Gulf Fritillary can be attracted to the garden by planting Passion flower.