The Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) lay their eggs only on the passionflower as it contains toxins that protect the butterflies from predators.
The Gulf Fritillary does not have a time where all activity stops during its growing period. It slows down when the temperature lowers and speeds up when it gets warmer regardless of which stage it is in. For instance: an egg may hatch within three days in the heat of summer and it may take several months for the adult to develop in the chrysalis in the winter. These beautiful butterflies cannot survive any stage of growth in cold temperatures
Passion vines (Passifloraceae) come in about 400 different species and many colors. This one is a Passiflora caerulea. Passion vines are known worldwide for fragrance, beauty and for their religious significance.
The religious significance is that the five sepals and five petals, usually all- similar in shape and color, were the ten faithful apostles; two were absent, Peter who deceived and Judas who betrayed. The radiate corona was the crown of thorns; the five stamens were the five wounds, the ovary the hammer, the three styles the nails & the tendrils represent the whips.

Sandy Thomas

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