Longwing-butterflies
Guides
Agraulis
Agraulis is a subgenus of longwing butterflies (Heliconiinae) within the genus Dione. The group contains at least two species: the widespread Gulf fritillary (Dione vanillae, formerly Agraulis vanillae), found from Argentina to the southern United States with seasonal migrations reaching as far north as New Jersey and San Francisco, and Dione dodona, a recently described species restricted to xeric western slopes of the Andes in Peru and northern Chile. Members are characterized by bright orange and black coloration, association with Passifloraceae host plants, and chemical defense mechanisms.