What do Gulf Fritillary caterpillars eat?
Passionflower Vines
Gulf Fritillaries nectar on all of the usual flowers which attract other species, but lay their eggs exclusively on Passionflower Vines (Passiflora sp.). The larvae, which are shiny orange with black spines, feed on the leaves of passionflower vines which render them poisonous to predators.
Are Gulf Fritillary butterfly poisonous?
The spines are soft to the touch and do not sting. The larva are poisonous if eaten. Their toxic flesh provides gulf fritillary caterpillars with excellent protection from predators. Birds avoid them.
Do Gulf Fritillary caterpillars eat each other?
“Host plant” is a good word–you be the host, Passiflora, and we, the Gulf Frits, will eat it all. Everything. In fact, Gulf Frit caterpillars will compete for food and knock one another around. When food is scare, they’ll engage in a little cannibalism.
What flowers do gulf fritillary butterflies like?
Nectar plants used by the Gulf Fritillary include Lantana, Butterfly Bush, Zinnia, Aster, Thistle, Verbena, and others. Its host plants are Passion Vine and Passion Flower.
How do you care for a gulf fritillary caterpillar?
Tips for Rearing Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars at home or in the classroom:
- Collect caterpillars from host/food plants in your garden (passion vine).
- Use a screened habitat with clippings of the vine in a bottle of water/jar, cover with a screen/net/plastice to protect the caterpillars from the water.
What does a gulf fritillary caterpillar look like?
Gulf fritillaries lay yellow eggs singly on or near the host plant — generally the leaves, stems and tendrils of passionflowers. Caterpillars are orange to reddish-brown with orange-brown stripes and black spines. The pupa stage is mottled brown and resembles a dead leaf.
What kills gulf fritillary?
You can also spray the entire plant with insecticidal oil to kill any caterpillars. You might also consider contacting botanical gardens in your area to find out if they have a butterfly garden where the caterpillars might be welcome.
How long is a gulf fritillary a caterpillar?
The Gulf fritillary butterfly wingspan ranges between 2.6-3.7 in (6.5-9.5 cm), and their length varies between 2-3.5 in (6.4-7.6 cm). The length of a Gulf fritillary caterpillar ranges between 1-1.5 in (2.5-3.8 cm).
How do gulf fritillary butterflies overwinter?
The butterflies over-winter in their cocoons. These are light brown and attached to the bottom of most any fixed object including chairs, deck rails, and the bottoms of the leaves. Gulf Fritillary eggs can be found on the underside of the passion vine leaves or of the leaves of nearby plants.
What kind of caterpillar is the Gulf fritillary?
Larvae develop through several stages (instars) before forming a brown chrysalis. Gulf fritillary, Agraulis vanillae incarnata (Riley) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), caterpillar. Photo by Drees.
What kind of food does the Gulf fritillary eat?
Gulf fritillary, Agraulis vanillae incarnata (Riley) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), caterpillar. Photo by Drees. Habitat and Food Source (s): Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts. Adults have siphoning mouths. Caterpillars feed on leaves of passion flower, Passiflora spp. Adults visit numerous flowers and migrate northward and feed on nectar.
What kind of plant does the Gulf fritillary butterfly live on?
Passion Vine, a host plant for the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly. Blossom on native Texas Passion Vine, commonly called Maypop, a host plant for the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly. The fruit of a native Texas Passion Vine, commonly called Maypop. Female Gulf Fritillary Butterfly hanging upside down on Passion Vine laying eggs.
What kind of caterpillar is black with orange spots?
The gulf fritillary caterpillar has sharp black spines on its body. The gulf fritillary caterpillar turns gray before creating the chrysalis. The adult gulf fritillary butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly and has long wings. The wings are bright orange with white spots and black markings.