AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Agraulis vanillae
Gulf Fritillary
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Agraulis vanillae is a medium-sized butterfly with elongated wings. The dorsal side is bright orange with black spots and stripes; the ventral side is a complex mosaic of brown, orange, and iridescent silver patches that allow it to camouflage perfectly when perching with closed wings.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nymphalidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Agraulis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is widely distributed in open areas, urban gardens, agricultural fields, and forest edges from the southern United States to South America. It strictly depends on the presence of plants of the Passiflora genus.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a very active butterfly, with a fast and vigorous flight. Unlike other nymphalids, it prefers sunny and open areas. Its behavior is aggressive towards individuals of its own species when defending its feeding routes.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary while moving between nectar sources, but individuals congregate near host plants when they enter a period of intense flowering.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore. Highly attracted to flowers of Lantana, Stachytarpheta, and various species of Passiflora.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They fulfill a vital role as pollinators of multiple plant species. In turn, their larvae act as natural controllers of passion flower expansion, and they themselves serve as food for various birds and parasitoid wasps.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females lay eggs in groups on the leaves, tendrils, or stems of Passiflora plants. Larvae, gregarious at birth, show voracious development and are protected by their toxins.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.2 g - 0.5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 200
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
5 - 10
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Months
Females1 - 2 Months
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Protective toxicity: By feeding on passion flowers, the larvae sequester cyanogenic glycosides. These chemical compounds make both the caterpillar and the adult highly toxic and unpalatable to predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of host plants: The elimination of native Passiflora species in urban and agricultural settings limits their reproduction cycles.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Foraging intelligence: They possess an amazing ability to remember and return daily to specific nectar plants, optimizing their energy efficiency throughout their lives.