What is the difference between a butterfly and a fritillary?
Fritillaries are a smaller group within the butterfly family Nymphalidae. All butterflies in this family have tiny front legs that lack claws (in most other butterfly families, the front legs have claws). This family includes many other common butterflies, including viceroys, checkerspots, and heliconians.
Is the variegated fritillary caterpillar poisonous?
The 2″ long Variegated Fritillary Caterpillar has an orange body marked by black stripes and white spots, and branching spines, as shown in the photos below. Despite their spines and threatening appearance, they do not sting!
What does a variegated fritillary caterpillar eat?
The larvae of the variegated fritillary, Euptoieta claudia, are small, orange to red, spiny caterpillars appropriately called pansyworms because they are most frequently reported from pansy. The caterpillars also feed on a variety of wild flowers and even plantain.
Are gulf fritillary butterflies rare?
The Gulf Fritillary is a rare stray to Wisconsin, having been reported from only three counties. This species is mainly a southern species in the United States, but can be found throughout Mexico, Central American, and South America down to Argentina.
Do fritillaries migrate?
The Gulf fritillary occurs throughout the southern United States southward through Mexico, Central America and the West Indies to South America. In Florida, it can be found in all 67 counties. Starting in late summer and continuing through fall, huge numbers of adults migrate southward into peninsular Florida.
How long do fritillary butterflies live?
Characteristics of the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly Individuals may live for several weeks; in warm weather up to 4-6 weeks. In cold weather they survive 2-3 months, but cannot survive below 21 degrees Fahrenheit. The typical size of the adult Gulf Fritillary is 2.5″ – 3.0″.
How long is the gulf fritillary life cycle?
Gulf Fritillary Life Cycle: Stages and Timings
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Egg stage | 4 to 8 days |
| Caterpillar (larval) stage | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Chrysalis (pupal) stage | 5 to 10 days |
| Adult butterfly stage | 2 to 4 weeks |
What do fritillary caterpillars eat?
The larvae, which are shiny orange with black spines, feed on the leaves of passionflower vines which render them poisonous to predators. Gulf Fritillary caterpillars are non-stinging if touched.
How long does gulf fritillary stay in chrysalis?
11-21 days
After this time, the caterpillar will start to spin a silk-like subtance against something it can cling to. It attaches its rear to this silk lump and hangs upside down. Here, it will make small muscle contractions to shed its skin. It hardens into a chrysalis and will stay in this stage for 11-21 days.
What is the host plant for the Gulf fritillary butterfly?
Purple passionflower, Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloracaea), a host of the Gulf fritillary butterfly, Agraulis vanillae (Linneaus). Photograph by Jaret C. Daniels, University of Florida.
How do you tell fritillaries apart?
Fritillaries can be divided into two groups: greater and lesser. As the names suggest, greater fritillaries are larger, usually with a wingspan between 1.5 and 3 inches, compared to the 1 to 1.5 inch wingspan of lesser fritillaries.
Do fritillary butterflies migrate?
Adults move northward in spring and form temporarily breeding colonies throughout the southeast. Individual vagrants may occasionally reach into the central U.S., but rarely into the Midwest. Starting in late summer and continuing through fall, huge numbers of adults migrate southward into peninsular Florida.