December 13, 2025

I am a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

I have 3 white dots on each of my wings

They are circled with black

And a little abstract

Like the result of a Pollock paint fling.

Location: Hallstrom Farmstead Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: http://socalbutterflies.com/nymphalidae_html/Dione_incarnata.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Pollock

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

May 7, 2025

I am known as a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

As shown here my wings are closed

When they're open they look bright orange, but

Right now my darker underside's exposed.

Location: Possum Long Nature Center, Stuart

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-gulf-fritillary/

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

September 16, 2023

I am known as a Gulf Fritillary butterfly

I migrate to Florida in the fall

I like to winter in frost-free places

So you won't find me in Montreal.

Location: Peace River Botanical Gardens, Punta Gorda

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 18, 2023

I am a Gulf Fritillary butterfly

In Florida, I can be found in all counties

I migrate in springtime but don't go far enough

To visit Canadian Mounties.

Location: Jones Pier Conservation Area, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 4, 2023

I am known as a Gulf Fritillary

In Florida I can be found in every county

I prefer sunny open habitats

Where lots of flowers surround me. 

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 13, 2022

I am a Gulf Fritillary butterfly

I lay my eggs on Passionflower

Once my eggs hatch, my larvae

Have just one thought: DEVOUR!

Location: Paleo Hammock Conservation Area, St. Lucie County

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 15, 2022

I am a Gulf Fritillary butterfly

I look quite different when my wings are open

I'll mate and have multiple broods in a year - 

At least that is what I am hoping!

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 10, 2022

I am a Gulf Fritillary

In Florida I float along like a soft summer breeze

And though I've expanded my range as far north as the Great Lakes

I am not able to tolerate a freeze.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.113004/Dione_vanillae

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson