Q: What is the name of this caterpillar eating my passion vine? It is orange with black spikes.

A: The number one chewing insect on passion vine is the caterpillar of the gulf fritillary butterfly. The Gulf fritillary, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus), is a brightly colored butterfly common across extreme southern portions of the United States. At home in most open, sunny habitats, it frequents roadsides, disturbed sites, fields, open woodlands, pastures, yards, and parks. It is a regular in most butterfly gardens, including those in more urban settings. The Gulf fritillary occurs throughout the southern United States southward through Mexico, Central America and the West Indies to South America. In Florida, it can be found in all 67 counties. The Gulf fritillary produces multiple generations each year. Adults may be found in all months of the year throughout much of Florida. Adults have a quick, erratic flight but are easily drawn to nearby flowers. Larvae may feed on all parts of the plant and can rapidly defoliate host vines. This information was taken from a UF/IFAS Entomology Department publication: http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm

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