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Variegated Fritillary Butterfly
Type and Coloration
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The Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) is brownish orange above, with a complex checkered pattern of black markings and dark dots. It has a black-rimmed rimmed, pale orange spot near the leading edge of the forewing, and lacks silver spots.
Its name is derived from the complex, variegated pattern of brown, orange and white scaling on its underside.
In contrast, the Gulf Fritillary is a brighter orange and longer-winged. A medium-sized butterfly, the Variegated Fritillary has some similarities to the smaller crescent butterflies.
Beneath, the wings appear as a dead leaf, with an array of spots and patches in shades of brown.
Explore more about the Fritillary Family of Butterflies.
Characteristics of the Variegated Fritillary
The Variegated Fritillary is often found in open fields, farmland, prairies and roadsides. It features a low, erratic flight and is difficult to approach and photograph. This butterfly loves a variety of flowers, as shown in the photos below on this page.
Unable to survive freezing weather, it is common in the south, but sometimes ventures as far north as New England and Canada. Adults migrate from the south in the spring, and then back south as winter approaches.
It will produce 2-3 broods per year.
Its size is in the 1.75" - 2.75" range. Females are larger than the males.
Nectar and Host Plants Used by the Variegated Fritillary
The Variegated Fritillary will use a variety of flowers for nectar, such as Zinnias, Milkweed, Butterfly Bush and others.
Host plants for the Variegated Fritillary include Passion vines, violets, Pansies, Purslane, Mayapple, Flax, others. Shown below is a flower on a native Texas Passion vine.
Shown in the photo below is the fruit of a native Texas Passion Vine, commonly called Maypop.
Variegated Fritillary Life Cycle Stages and Times
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Egg stage | 10 to 15 days |
| Caterpillar (larval) stage | Overwinters |
| Chrysalis (pupal) stage | 14 to 14 days |
| Adult butterfly stage | 2 to 10 weeks |
Variegated Fritillary Caterpillar
The 2" long Variegated Fritillary Caterpillar has an orange body marked by black stripes and white spots, and branching spines, as shown in the photos below. Despite their spines and threatening appearance, they do not sting!
Variegated Fritillary Chrysalis
The chrysalis of the Variegated Fritillary is a shiny, pearl-colored white, and looks like an expensive piece of jewelry!
It is mottled with small black and brown spots and streaks, along with rows of shiny gold spikes.
Photos of the Adult Variegated Fritillary Butterfly
Variegated Fritillary Butterfly on Milkweed
Variegated Fritillary Butterfly
Variegated Fritillary Butterfly on Pink Zinnia
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Variegated Fritillary Butterfly (dorsal view) warming itself on stone
Variegated Fritillary Butterfly (ventral view) on Passion vine
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