Chances are high you have seen this bright orange beauty floating above flower beds and meadows during warmer months. The Gulf Fritillary is common, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t as fascinating and important as more rare species. This medium-sized butterfly ranges from Mexico to Texas and Florida, migrating north for summer breeding and returning to frost-free climates over winter.

Gulf Fritillary adults have a wingspan of 2.5-3 inches, with females being larger and more brightly colored than males. The dorsal surface of the wings is a deep orange transected by black bands, forewings speckled with white spots. The underside of the wings resembles stained glass with panes of white between bars of tan and brown. Despite lacking jaws, stingers, or horns, these butterflies are not helpless to predation. When disturbed, they emit a noxious scent from glands on their abdomen. They also keep toxins from the passion vines they consumed as caterpillars in their bodies, which makes them taste bad. Many predators learn to avoid these butterflies. 

If you would like to attract butterflies like the Gulf Fritillary to your garden, make sure to come by our Native Plant Nursery and pick up some pollinator favorites. Our nursery staff is here to assist you Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM April to November.