Gulf Fritillary
(Agraulis vanillae)
Click to enlargeJust off Hwy 1A, North of Fort Pierce, FL, March 21, 2005.
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. My son David took the bottom two photos on the right in Argentina.
Identifying characteristics: The Gulf Fritillary has long thin wings compared to the other Fritillaries. Above the wings are a bright orange with various black spots, several of which, near the leading edge of the forewing have white spots inside. Below the wings are orange with oblong silvery spots throughout the hindwing and at the tip of the forewing. The black spots with a white center spot that can be seen above can also be seen below on the forewing.
Similar species: When seen from below it resembles the larger Fritillaries with the silver spots, but when is wings are open; the much longer and thinner wings easily distinguish this species.
Habitat: Open areas, parks, and gardens.
Flight: This species is a rare stray in Wisconsin and most likely would be spotted during July and August.
Abundance: Rarely encountered this far north.
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Gulf Fritillary
Agraulis vanillae