I saw my first Gulf Fritillary of the season today.
As I watched him sampling nectar from the Zinnias, he seemed to show a preference for the bright yellow ones and I thought to myself, “If I gave this fellow a bag of Starburst candies, he would likely eat all the lemon first.”
Well, I think he must have read my mind (a super-power he possesses that probably has something to do with his funky antennae) and just to prove me wrong he flitted over and slurped on a strawberry flavored flower.
Seriously though, aren’t these butterflies amazing with their intricate pattern of stripes and spots and polka dots?
And just for the record, the orange Starburst are the best!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Spectacular!! A freshly minted butterfly with wings entirely intact. Really lovely photos, Kathy.
He was so vibrant!
Gorgeous colour. Not sure which makes the other glow, the flower or the butterfly, they both enhance one another.
They really do enhance one another!
Beautiful images, love the colors.
It was so vibrant!
WOWZA!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely stunning shots!
I think this fellow was fairly fresh from the cocoon, as his wings were in such good shape. š
It is so pristine and gorgeous!
He was pretty mesmerizing.
Wow!! Amazing and glorious all in one!! š¦š
Indeed!
Beautiful!