21/09/2026
While I was out on the farm photographing monarchs making their way south for their fall migration, I came across this beautiful Gulf fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)🦋
At first glance, its brilliant orange wings can make it easy to mistake for a monarch, but the markings and shape tell a different story.
While researching the Gulf fritillaries, I learned some interesting facts. They’re known for seasonal movement, particularly throughout the Southeast. Unlike monarchs, they don’t make one single, long-distance migration to a specific overwintering site. They can produce multiple generations each year, and adults may be found year-round in warmer parts of their range.
One of the most important plants in their life cycle is passionflower vine. Female Gulf fritillaries lay their eggs on or near passionflower vines, including purple passionflower, corkystem passionflower, and yellow passionflower. Their caterpillars feed on these vines as they develop.
So while I was watching the skies for monarchs, I was reminded that there is so much more happening around us than we sometimes notice.
One butterfly, one flower, one photograph — and a whole story of its own. 🌿🦋
📸 Photographed here at Goat Locker Farms
