Do Gulf Fritillary Bite?

Despite being covered in spikes, gulf fritillary larva are not a stinging caterpillar, thus they cannot sting you. The spikes are soft to the touch and serve the purpose of scaring predators.

Is the gulf fritillary poisonous?

The spines are soft to the touch and do not sting. The larva are poisonous if eaten. Their toxic flesh provides gulf fritillary caterpillars with excellent protection from predators. Birds avoid them.

Is the variegated fritillary caterpillar poisonous?

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!