Gulf Fritillary

Found in open sunny areas including gardens, pastures, fields, and forest edges across the southern United States and through Central and South America.

Adults feed on flower nectar from various plants like lantana and shepherd's needle; caterpillars feed exclusively on various species of passionflower (Passiflora) vines.

Diurnal active flyers often seen in gardens; they undergo multiple generations per year and are known for long-distance seasonal migrations.

Highly beneficial as an important pollinator; caterpillars can defoliate passionflower vines but usually pose no risk to humans as they are non-stinging.