This Gulf Fritillary has seemingly appointed himself guardian of the garden and regards it as his personal domain.
I mean really, doesn’t he look like he’s striking a rather possessive pose?
Well, all was well and good until the first Monarch of the season showed up.
The Fritillary (cue the Jaws music!) began swooping up from under the Monarch to try and knock him off the blossom.
And when at first he didn’t succeed…well, you know the old adage, he tried, tried again!
The Monarch was more determined than intimidated and held his ground, so I’d declare him the undisputed winner of the flower fight.
I have to say, I’d never seen this happen before. Butterfly battles are much more intense than you would imagine – if any more happen, I’ll keep you posted! 😉
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Wonderful wildlife observation, Kathy! I’ve read that butterflies can be territorially possessive, even with other species, but have never seen it myself.
I once saw a Monarch battle with a humming bird over flowers on a vine, with the butterfly holding its ground.
Oh my, butterfly battles, I had no idea! Great sighting and action series, very cool!