Gulf Fritillary

Agraulis vanillae

Don’t let the name fool you. You can see this beautiful butterfly all across Texas, not simply along the Gulf coast. While the females can be almost burnt orange at times, usually both males and females are a bright orange.

The patterns on the underside of the wings are what makes this butterfly stand out from the rest. Elongated silver cell spots dazzle when they catch the sun just right.

I’ve found Gulf Fritillaries feeding on lantana, zenia, butterfly bush, and more. Its larva feed on passion vines.