Green Nature

Gulf Fritillary

picture of a gulf fritillary butterfly

The Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) is the only fritillary species in the genus Agraulis.

It is a southern species with Gulf Coast and Southwestern populations.

Larvae feed on passion flower vines and adults nectar on a variety of flowering plants.

The top picture shows a top view of the butterfly, easily distinguished from other fritillary species by the three small white spots on the top borders of the wings.

The bottom pictures shows a side view of the species characteristic long oval silver or white spots.

picture of a side view of a gulf fritillary

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels