quick caterpillar ID :: Euptoieta claudia: The Variegated Fritillary

Need an ID pretty quickly on this caterpillar. I caught it, need to either let it go very soon (hot day, the bowl has a screen over it, but still a hot day) or kill it.
I have learned the hard way not ignore random bugs I don't know.

Help!
About 1.5 inches long
Was on violet leaves, didn't seem to be doing anything, just curled there. Might have gotten watered in the last hour, and be still freaked from that.
Non-cleaned up or edited pic, sorry.

The caterpillar of the variegated fritillary

They use a wide range of host plants vs. just violets

https://owlcation.com/stem/caterpillar-identification-2

It is a larva of a butterfly.

They did not give the names of other host plants so I would put it back on the violet.

Finally had time to look him up, the heat is slamming in hard and I was trying to get some stuff done that needed to be done over a month ago, and is STILL not planted for spring.

Euptoieta claudia: The Variegated Fritillary

From  owlcation.com
7. Euptoieta claudia: The Variegated Fritillary

The variegated fritillary is not a true fritillary, despite superficially resembling members of that group. This butterfly is something like a paler version of the gulf fritillary, with a "smeared" look to the underside and no metallic silver markings. While it is related to the true fritillaries, the variegated fritillary exhibits some distinct differences:

   Variegated fritillaries have two or three broods per year vs. one per year in Speyeria.
   They are nomadic vs. sedentary.
   They use a wide range of host plants vs. just violets.
   Variegated fritillaries also have taxonomic links to the heliconians.
   Their flight is low and swift rather than high and gliding.


Another characteristic of this species is the fact that they are very hard to approach; accordingly, its genus name was taken from the Greek word euptoietos, meaning "easily scared."

This beautiful spiny caterpillar becomes an even more beautiful pupa marked with cream, orange, and metallic silver spines. The caterpillar's food plants include moonseed, flax, passionflower, plantain, pansy, and violets.

Quick Facts

   Does it sting? No, although the spines are sharp.
   What does it eat? Many plants, including moonseed, flax, passionflower, plantain, pansy, and violets.
   Will it seriously damage plants or trees? Not usually.
   Is it rare? No, although it is more common in the South.
   What does it turn into? A pretty orange and black butterfly.
   Can you raise it to an adult? Yes, if you give it plenty of fresh leaves.

YAY! He has been released. Sorry about the disruption to your day, bug. Your spines worried me.

Considering that insect populations are crashing and burning - which means that all the things that eat insects are in danger - I really hope your little caterpillar goes forth and pupates and finds a mate and makes lots of little caterpillar babies!

So glad the little guy's getting a chance, even if it means that some of your violet leaves get a bit nibbled!