This bright orange butterfly has a wingspan of 2½ to 3 inches. The upper surface of the wings has black markings and the under surface is brownish with silvery-white elongated spots and a coral color towards the front. The caterpillar is about 1½ inches long and is black and rust with branched black spines. It feeds on passion flowers.

The female butterfly has a "stink club" at the base of the abdomen which releases pheromones. The pheromones either attract or repel male butterflies, depending on the receptive state of the female.

Gulf fritillaries derive their name from their habit of flying far out over the Gulf of Mexico. They are, however fairly widely distributed in the United States.

The butterfly in the photograph is feeding off ironweed which, like passion flower, has a purple bloom.