Gulf Fritillary, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus, 1758)

This is our most common butterfly, the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae L. 1758). In this shot you can see how one distinguishes this species from a monarch, viceroy or other orange, black and white butterflies.

The Gulf Fritillary has the same upperside bright orrange with black markings as the similar-looking butterflies. . .but it is distinguished by the 3 black-encircled white dots on the forewing leading edge. The Fritillary in flight in this image clearly displays those 3 black-encircled white dots on one wing. The Fritillary on the flower displays the 3 black-encircled white dots on both wings. I like the way the background fades to green watercolors in this slightly altered image (I sharpened the butterflies).

The favorite caterpillar hosts for this species are passion vine or maypop (Passiflora incarnata)and running pop (Passiflora foetida). We have plenty of both on the property.