Agraulis vanillae nigrior, Gulf Fritillary

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Freshly emerged male

Description: 31-40 mm. Bright orange above with black veination and spots. Below is brown with reflective silver spots and a bright reddish orange patch on the forewing. Males have a brighter orange color than the females.

Habitat and Distribution: This species lives in a variety of habitats in Southern United States, Central and South America as well as throughout the Caribbean. It has been reported throughout the Keys.

Host Plant: Passion Vines (Passiflora sps.)

Natural History: This is a brilliantly colored butterfly that flies very quickly. Larvae are easily located once host is found. This is always a pleasant species in a garden as they are easily attracted by planing host plant as well as nectar sources. 

Final instar larva

Final instar larva

Chrysalis

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