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Gulf fritillary

Agraulis Vanillae

Description:

The Gulf Fritillary or Passion Butterfly, Agraulis vanillae, is a striking, bright orange butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Heliconiinae. These were formerly classified in a separate family, the Heliconiidae or longwing butterflies, and like other longwings this species does have long, rather narrow wings in comparison with other butterflies. It is not closely related to the true fritillaries. It is a medium to large butterfly, with a wingspan of 6–9.5 cm (2.4–3.7 in). Its underwings are buff, with large silvery spots.[1] It takes its name from migrating flights of the butterflies sometimes seen over the Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat:

Restinga

Notes:

Damage: These caterpillars are the most common pest in the cultivation of passion fruit. They devour the leaves, causing serious defoliation, reaching 100% defoliation of the plant. Control: In small fields recommended manual scavenging eggs and caterpillars. In larger fields, it is recommended the application of insecticides contact action and short residual effect, since the harvest of passion extends over a long period. One can also use the Bacillus thuringiensis and baculovirus (NPV) specific applying infectadas.ha-80 larvae ¹ spraying.

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3 Comments

erikcoser
erikcoser 12 years ago

Thanks for your help guys. I'll separate the butterfly. I thought they were the same species!!

florida33girl
florida33girl 12 years ago

I agree with ceherzog - you have two different butterfly species here. The first two photos are a Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae). However, I think the third photo, which you should separate into its own spotting here on Project Noah, might be a Soldier (Danaus eresimus) rather than a Queen because of the heavier veining. I find these really hard to tell apart from the top side, though. If you make a separate spotting, others can weigh in. Good luck!

ceherzog
ceherzog 12 years ago

Do you have 2 butterflies here? The ventral photos appear to be Gulf Fritillary and the dorsal view looks to be a Queen.

erikcoser
Spotted by
erikcoser

Spotted on Feb 22, 2012
Submitted on Feb 22, 2012

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