Agraulis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Heliconiinae
Tribe: Heliconiini
Genus: Agraulis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agraulis: /ˈæɡ.raʊ.lɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Gulf fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) caterpillar on Passiflora incarnata by Rotareneg. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Agraulis vanillae incarnata by Clinton & Charles Robertson from Del Rio, Texas & College Station, TX, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Passiflora incarnata flower and bud by E.nielsen. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Mariposa espejito o pasionaria mexicana by Flama23. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Mariposa pasionaria motas blancas (Dione vanillae ssp. incarnata) by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Gulf Fritillary caterpillar - Agraulis incarnata, Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boynton Beach, Florida, April 21, 2022 (52295437253) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Agraulis includes two species, notably the Gulf fritillary (Dione vanillae), recognized for its vibrant orange color and chemical defense mechanisms. They inhabit southern U.S. regions and feed on passion vines as larvae. Their life cycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with noted seasonal migrations.

Physical Characteristics

Dione vanillae is a medium-sized butterfly with slender orange wings that exhibit sexual dimorphism; females are generally larger and darker than males, often with more pronounced black markings. The underside of the wings is brown with silver spots. Average wingspan ranges from 6.5 to 9.5 cm.

Identification Tips

Can be confused with the rarer Dione species, which have black stripes instead of black-ringed white/silver spots. Look for the distinctive orange coloration and the wing markings to distinguish between these taxa.

Habitat

Open habitats such as sunny areas near grasslands, parks, and woodlands. Commonly found in butterfly gardens.

Distribution

Widespread in the southern regions of the United States, from Florida and Georgia to Texas and California; also found in Mexico and parts of South America, including the Amazon Basin.

Diet

Adult butterflies feed on nectar from many flowers, with a preference for Lantana plants. Larvae feed primarily on members of the genus Passiflora (passion vines).

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The duration of each stage varies based on environmental conditions, with larvae typically taking 11 to 16 days and pupae lasting 7 to 12 days.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs individually on or near host plants, primarily of the genus Passiflora. Courtship involves wing displays and pheromones, and males often provide nuptial gifts during mating.

Predators

Birds and other avian predators; however, Gulf fritillaries have chemical defenses to deter these threats.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators in their habitats and have a significant role in the food web as larvae are herbivores.

Evolution

Formerly classified within the family Heliconiidae, now placed in the subfamily Heliconiinae under Nymphalidae. Phylogenetic analysis indicates Agraulis may be a subgenus of Dione.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

The caterpillar of the gulf fritillary does not use the vanilla plant, contrary to its previous scientific name which suggested a dietary connection.