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Gulf Fritillary

Dione vanillae

The Gulf Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly with bright orange wings and black spots. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Urban areas, Coastal areas

Appearance

The Gulf Fritillary is a medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings adorned with black markings. Its hindwings have distinct silvery-white spots on the underside, making it easily distinguishable from other orange butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusDione
Gulf Fritillary
spotted trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Gulf Fritillary

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Gulf Fritillaries love to sip nectar from many different kinds of colorful flowers.

Its caterpillars have long, branched spines all over their body!

The bright orange wings warn predators that this butterfly tastes very bad to eat!

They often fly fast and erratically, making them tricky to catch or photograph!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Taste Shield

Gulf Fritillary has a bitter taste from eating passionflower leaves that helps them deter hungry predators.

Ability

Silver Underside Camouflage

Gulf Fritillary has reflective silver spots on its hindwing undersides that help them blend with dappled light while resting.

Ability

Swift Flight

Gulf Fritillary can fly quickly and erratically, which helps them escape from birds and other threats.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-90 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
14-21 days
Flight Speed
10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adults sip sweet flower nectar.

Age differences: Larvae consume passionflower leaves; adults feed exclusively on flower nectar and pollen.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Passionflower leaves
  • Pollen

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Gulf Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gulf Fritillary's wingspan?

60-90 mm

How big is Gulf Fritillary?

30-40 mm

How long does Gulf Fritillary live?

14-21 days

How fast can Gulf Fritillary fly?

10 km/h

What does Gulf Fritillary eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adults sip sweet flower nectar.

Where is Gulf Fritillary usually found?

Urban areas, Coastal areas

How does Gulf Fritillary hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Gulf Fritillary have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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