The Gulf Fritillary is a bright orange butterfly with elongated wings bearing black-rimmed white spots and a spectacular silver-spotted underside. Despite its name and orange fritillary-like appearance, it is a member of the Heliconiidae family, not a true fritillary. It undergoes seasonal migrations along the Gulf Coast and is a beloved garden butterfly wherever passion vines grow.
Best time to see a Gulf Fritillary
The best time to see a Gulf Fritillary is July–October, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 141,829 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Gulf Fritillary? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Gulf Fritillary sightings near you
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