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red with black spikes caterpillar (Gulf fritillary caterpillar)

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Red with black spikes caterpillar
by: kkn

Sorry but I killed a lot of these. I was angry because they destroyed the leaves of my beautiful Passion Flower vine just as it was preparing to bloom - they ate the buds too. I hope they don't attack again because I love butterflies but I love my vine too. I did see some of these butterflies visiting my vine but thought they were seeking blooms to drink from. Had no idea their babies were eating my vine.
Gulf fritillary caterpillar
by: Moni

G Sapp
Your caterpillar that eats passion vines is the Gulf fritillary. They do feed on the various species of passion flower vines.
This is not considered a garden pest, but is enjoyed for the beautiful butterfly!
Here are photos of all stages -
http://bugguide.net/node/view/567/bgimage

Since the larvae feed on passion flower vine they are poisonous if eaten...the bright orange color is a warning to predators - so birds avoid them! This insect is common in Florida and southern states as well as central America. However with the cultivation of passion vine, this insect has extended its range more northward.
Please leave it, so you can see the beautiful butterfly!

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