Gulf Fritillary butterfly

Natural Habitat

Open sunny areas, gardens, fields, disturbed areas, and pine flatwoods, especially where its host plant (passion vines) are present. Found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Diet & Feeding

Adult butterflies feed on nectar from various flowers, including lantana, thistle, and composite flowers. Larvae (caterpillars) feed exclusively on the leaves of passion vines (Passiflora species).

Behavior Patterns

Active during the day. Females lay single eggs on the leaves or tendrils of passion vines. Caterpillars are bright orange with black spines and are known consumers of passion vine leaves. They pupate hanging upside down. Adults are strong flyers and can be seen fluttering gracefully. They often bask in the sun and visit a variety of flowers for nectar.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits include pollination of various flowering plants. The caterpillars are specific feeders on passion vines, which can be seen as a 'risk' to gardeners growing passion vines for ornamental purposes, as they can defoliate the plants. However, the plant usually recovers, and the butterflies are a beautiful addition to ecosystems and gardens.

Identified on: 9/27/2025