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Project Noah Nature School
Agraulis vanillae
The larva or caterpillar of the Gulf Fritillary grows to approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) in length and is bright orange in color and covered in rows of black spines on its head and back. The spines are soft to the touch and do not sting. However, the larvae are poisonous if eaten, as the bright coloration advertises. The larvae feed exclusively on species of passion flower such as Maypop (Passiflora incarnata), Yellow Passionflower (P. lutea) and Running Pop (P. foetida).
Wildlife habitat garden with many native plants. This caterpillar has just finished feeding on the Maypop and is going off to make a chrysalis.
Spotted on Jun 25, 2012
Submitted on Jun 25, 2012
1 Comment
nice spotting!