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Gulf Fritillary
Often confused with a Monarch, note the lack of "window panes" found on a monarch. Common in late summer and fall in HHI.
host plant Passion Flower
The Passion Flower serves as its host plant. Google this flower to learn about its religious symbolism.
Gulf Fritillary
Laid individually on Passion Flower. There are Purple and Yellow varieties and sometimes is called a Maypop.
Gulf Fritillary
egg and small caterpillar are visible. It takes 5-8 days on average for eggs to hatch.
Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar
Butterfly caterpillars have no defense...cannot bite, sting, or flee. This one has scary looking spikes, which are really very soft.
Gulf Fritillary caterpillars
They continue to eat and grow for 2-3 weeks.
Gulf Fritillary caterpillars
Once they are large enough, they form a chrysalis and the butterfly develops inside.
Gulf Fritillary chrysalis
Again, chrysalis have no defense so these look like dried leaves to blend in on a branch.
Gulf Fritillary
The adult lives about 10 days. One of their necter plants is lantana, as seen here.
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