The gulf fritillary
butterfly was imported into this area along with the passion vine
(genus Passiflora ). I think the butterflies are as
beautiful and interesting as the flowers of the vine. Without the
caterpillars to keep it under control, the vine becomes weedy.
Without the vine, there no pretty caterpillars or butterflies.
A gulf
fritillary spreading its
wings to the sun in order to warm up. When its hot, the butterfly
will fold its wings straight up to help it cool.
Here is an egg
of a gulf
fritillary on a leaf of the passion vine. Eggs are laid singly because
big caterpillars eat little caterpillars.
I think the
caterpillars are as
colorful and interesting as the flowers or butterflies. There are
individual differences.
When it is
finished growing, the
caterpillar spins a button of silk on a support. It then hooks its tail
end to the silk and hangs head down. And begins to form its
chrysalis.
Here is the
chrysalis after it
has shed its last caterpillar skin.
When the butterfly
emerges, it must
hang with its wings down until they become properly extended, hardened,
and ready for flight.
Having met with a
male, the female is
laying an egg on a leaf. And life goes on.
A gulf
fritillary spreading its
wings to the sun in order to warm up. When its hot, the butterfly
will fold its wings straight up to help it cool. 
Here is an egg
of a gulf
fritillary on a leaf of the passion vine. Eggs are laid singly because
big caterpillars eat little caterpillars.
I think the
caterpillars are as
colorful and interesting as the flowers or butterflies. There are
individual differences.
When it is
finished growing, the
caterpillar spins a button of silk on a support. It then hooks its tail
end to the silk and hangs head down. And begins to form its
chrysalis.
Here is the
chrysalis after it
has shed its last caterpillar skin.
When the butterfly
emerges, it must
hang with its wings down until they become properly extended, hardened,
and ready for flight.
Having met with a
male, the female is
laying an egg on a leaf. And life goes on.