Wordless Wednesday: May 29, 2012

On May 17, I showed you some early stages in the development of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly.  Two days ago I observed the end result:

Gulf fritillaries (Agraulis vanillae) are one of four longwing and fritillary butterflies found in Florida. They range throughout the southern U.S. and migrate northward during warmer months. They have been seen flying far from land over the Gulf of Mexico, hence the name.

These medium-size butterflies are bright orange and black on top (see header photo) with white spotted undersides. They usually flutter along a fairly straight course within a few feet of the ground.  They also roost near the ground, like you see in this picture.

Gulf fritillaries prefer the nectar of red and white flowers. Some males sip mud.

For a wonderful, comprehensive photo journal of the Gulf Frilillary life cycle, click here.

Until next time……

Related articles

• Late arrival for rare butterflies (bbc.co.uk)
• Mt. Mainalo reminiscences (dwfnaturephoto.wordpress.com)
• Spring is late in Ireland this Year (nhillgarth.com)
• Larval plants increase your garden’s butterfly population (TBO.com)

• Butterfly Garden
• Florida Gardening
• Gardening
• Gulf Fritillary
• Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
• Wordless Wednesday