Nymphalidae : Heliconiinae
Dione insularis Maynard, 1869
Gulf Fritillary
Dione insularis Maynard, 1869
Gulf Fritillary
Previously known as: Agraulis vanillae until a landmark paper significantly revised the classification of the passion-vine butterflies (Agraulis and Dryas). By combining DNA barcoding, genomic data, adult morphology, and geographic distribution, the authors proved that these groups are far more genetically diverse than previously realized. They elevated multiple historical subspecies to full, distinct species (Nunez at al., 2021). And later the complex was placed under the genus Dione (Nunez at al., 2022).
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 62-80mm. Sexes similar. The only confusion species is the Flambeau Dryas iulia but this has few black markings on the upperside and lacks the silvery-white patches on the underside.
Range: Bahamas and West Indies except the southern Lesser Antilles.
Status: Widespread and very common in open areas in Cuba.
Nectar Plants: Lantana, Bidens pilosa, Tournefortia hirsutissima, Cordia, Ageratum, Ipomoea.
Larval Foodplants: Various Passiflora species. The eggs are laid on the tips of the the leaves or on the tendrils.
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 62-80mm. Sexes similar. The only confusion species is the Flambeau Dryas iulia but this has few black markings on the upperside and lacks the silvery-white patches on the underside.
Range: Bahamas and West Indies except the southern Lesser Antilles.
Status: Widespread and very common in open areas in Cuba.
Nectar Plants: Lantana, Bidens pilosa, Tournefortia hirsutissima, Cordia, Ageratum, Ipomoea.
Larval Foodplants: Various Passiflora species. The eggs are laid on the tips of the the leaves or on the tendrils.
Egg
Larva
Foodplants and Habitat
