It was a hard summer on butterflies around here in the heat. I think I saw maybe 4 between March and October and have seen three Monarchs this fall. But today I found a Momma Gulf Fritillary almost attacking the Passionflower vine trying to lay dozens of eggs. She was flitting all over the vine working like a mad-woman. This late in the year there most likely will not be enough warm weather for them to complete the life cycle but if they can make it long enough maybe they can pupate under leaves for the winter. Gulf Fritillary Mom laying one of many eggs ( photo / image / picture from toni's Garden ) One of the many eggs she laid ( photo / image / picture from toni's Garden )
I do hope the eggs hatch and that the caterpillars can overwinter in their cocoons Toni. It would be such a shame, after the female put all that hard work into laying them, if they all perished.
Is that little yellow dot the egg? I was wondering what they looked like. My Passion Flower vine has looked like a Gulf Fritillary convention center lately. Funny little side note. Hubby spotted one of the caterpillars a few yards away from the Passion Flower and asked me if he should bring it back. And even my "good" brother has been checking on them when he visits. :-D Anyhow... so glad you're getting to see them in your garden now Toni!
Yep Cheryl, that little yellow ball is the egg. I didn't have anything to hold behind it to show the size except that wooden spoon which is about 2.5 inches long. Last year I watched three generations of Gulf Fritillary moms lay eggs and at any one time could count at least 12 caterpillars of different sizes crawling and munching happily on the vine. Some didn't make it to pupate because there were also red wasps out there that were eating the cats all summer.
Good luck to the eggs, I hope they make it. Silly wasps. I think they could find something else to eat.
Well, unless there were some of the eggs in a more protected location on the vine there will be no caterpillars this late in the season. We have had a couple of nights in the middle 30's (about 2degC) and the ones I found the other day are all shriveled up and dark almost brown. :'( But it was exciting while it lasted.
Great shot...I had a small yellow butterfly 2 days ago and we have been having some very chilly days...it is amazing how these little creatures survive..
