Gulf Fritillary

This butterfly is known locally as the Passion Butterfly. The male (to the left and displaying dorsal or top marking) is hovering over the female (to the right and displaying ventral or bottom markings). The ventral markings as shown on the female has resulted in a third name, silver-spotted flambeau. The butterfly is a bright orange and has a wingspan of approximately 3.5 inches. It a member of the Heliconiidae or longwing subfamily. It is the only member of genus Agraulis. One of butterflies was pollinating a native plant when the pollination was interrupted by the second butterfly.