Pupa
Gulf Fritillary (A. Vanillae)
Egg
3rd instar larva
Description: Wingspan can range from 6.3-9.5 cm. Dorsal side has bright orage wings with small silver spots near the head, ventral side has more brownish wings with giant silver spots all over.
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Habitat: mostly open areas such as pastures, fields, etc. areas that are sunny and hot. they like subtropical climates
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Host Plant(s): Passionvine (P. suberosa), (P. Incarnata), etc, except for red passionflowers.
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Range/Frequency: Gulf Fritllaries are not known to be a regular visitor of PA, only being spotted in Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Delaware county. They should be considered a rare visitor, or a stray.
Pupa
Variegated Fritillary (E. claudia)
A Gulf Fritillary (left) and a Variegated Fritillary (right)
Description: Winspan ranges from 4.5-8cm in length. Can be identified by tan/paler wings than the Gulf Fritillary on both the dorsal and ventral sides. Ventral sides also have no silver pattern, and dorsal side is covered in black spots.
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Habitat: lives mainly in open areas such as fields or pastures
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Host Plant(s): Passionvine (P. Incarnata), or violets
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Range/Frequency: Variegated Fritillaries are a known visitor of PA, being most commonly seen in Lancaster, Allegheny, Northampton, Chester, and Montgomery County. They fly from June to November.