AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Agraulis maculosa
Spotted Fritillary
(Stichel, 1908)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized butterfly closely related to the Gulf Fritillary, featuring bright orange upper wings adorned with intricate black spots and margins. The undersides of the wings display magnificent, elongated, mirror-like silver spots that shimmer under sunlight.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.(Stichel, 1908)
Record Completeness
96%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.
Unknown
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
Inhabits open grasslands, scrublands, sub-tropical savannas, urban gardens, and forest edges primarily across southern South America. It thrives in sunny, warm environments where passionflower vines grow abundantly.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly diurnal. They are continuous energetic flyers that spend sunny hours visiting various nectar sources. They are avid sun-baskers, spreading their bright orange wings flat against leaves to elevate their body temperature.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary foragers during the daytime. However, they can exhibit loose aggregate groupings on high-quality nectar plants or mud-puddling sites, and sometimes rest near each other in sheltered bushes during heavy storms.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivorous adult, herbivorous larva (folivore).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae feed exclusively on Passiflora foliage (Passionflowers). Adults feed extensively on nectar from a variety of composite flowers like Lantana, Asteraceae, and Verbena. Adults are generally avoided by birds due to accumulated toxins.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males patrol territories dynamically seeking receptive mates. Females are selective, laying small, yellow, ribbed eggs individually on the leaves, tendrils, or stems of suitable Passiflora host vines.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.5 - 8.0 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.30 - 90
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 4 Days
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 7
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Weeks
Females2 - 4 Weeks
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller with more intense, saturated bright orange upper wings, narrower forewings, and more defined black markings.
Females Multi-lang
Females are noticeably larger with broader, more rounded wings. Their orange background color is often slightly paler or duller, and the black spot markings are significantly larger and more diffuse.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The bright silver spots on the wing undersides break up the butterfly's outline when resting, reflecting light to mimic dew drops or sun flecks, which effectively confuses predators.
Caterpillars selectively feed on toxic Passiflora species, sequestering cyanogenic compounds that render both the larval and adult stages dangerous and highly unpalatable to insectivores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
The intensive use of chemical pesticides in agricultural frontiers and urban areas which kills both larvae and the vital passionflower host plants.
Loss of open grassland habitats due to real estate developments, commercial logging, and conversion into large-scale monoculture plantations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The adults are highly dynamic flyers that frequently engage in long-distance local migrations across open fields following changing weather patterns and seasonal flower availability.