GULF FRITILLARY (Agraulis vanillae incarnata)

Flight Period: Multiple brooded in the southern U.S.  As its name implies, it is a common butterfly along the Gulf of Mexico.  Migrations occur northward during the spring and southward during the autumn.  In the evening, gulf fritillaries often roost together in small clusters (a common behavior among the Heliconiidae).  Colonies in the northern areas are temporary because their host plant (passion vine) cannot survive the winter.

Range: Southern U.S., south to Argentina, the Antilles, and Bahamas.  It is a recent resident of Hawaii, Bermuda, and the Galapagos Islands.

Host Plant: Passifloraceae (passion vine).

Wing Span: 2 1/2 - 2 7/8" (64 - 73 mm).