Gulf fritillary vs Variegated fritillary
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a Gulf fritillary from a variegated fritillary, and whether either one bites or stings.
Gulf fritillary
Dione vanillae
Variegated fritillary
Euptoieta claudia
≠The key differences
Variegated fritillary has a more mottled underside without the large silvery spots found on Gulf fritillary; wing shape and black markings differ, and variegated tends to be paler orange.
⚖︎Side by side
| Gulf fritillary | Variegated fritillary | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 6-9 cm wingspan | About 45-75 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Bright orange, Black, Silvery white, Brown | Orange, Dark brown, Cream, Black |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Open, sunny habitats: gardens, fields, roadsides, edges of woodlands and places where passionflower vines grow. | Open sunny places: fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens, open woodland edges and disturbed areas |
| Range | Southern United States (e.g. Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas, Arizona and California), through Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, into much of South America; strays farther north in summer. | Resident from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America into South America; spreads north each summer across much of the United States and occasionally into southern Canada |
| Active | Year-round in tropical regions; spring to fall and in warm months in temperate regions; most active during daylight, especially sunny periods. | Spring through fall (longest in southern regions); active during daylight, especially late morning to afternoon |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a Gulf fritillary
- Bright orange upperside with black spots and streaks; fairly plain compared with some fritillaries.
- Hindwing underside with distinctive silvery-white, reflective spots.
- Caterpillars are bright orange/red with many black spines (tubercles) on each segment.
- Wingspan about 6-9 cm and a rapid, direct flight pattern.
🔍How to spot a variegated fritillary
- Bright orange upperwings with bold dark markings and scalloped wing margins
- Mottled underside of hindwing with a mix of orange, brown and cream (the 'variegated' look)
- Smaller submarginal spots and less-silvery underside compared with some other fritillaries
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Gulf fritillary and a variegated fritillary?
Variegated fritillary has a more mottled underside without the large silvery spots found on Gulf fritillary; wing shape and black markings differ, and variegated tends to be paler orange.
Is a Gulf fritillary or a variegated fritillary more dangerous?
Gulf fritillary: Non-toxic. Variegated fritillary: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are not venomous or poisonous to people. Harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.