Bug Squad

Let's celebrate the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae).

It's one of the most recognizable of all insects--if you can find it. Ever had someone poke you and point toward a plant: "Look, there's a praying mantis?" "Where?" "Right there. See it?" "No. Where is it? "Right there. It's right there. Can't you see it?" "No.

If you've been driving near alfalfa fields in Yolo County and other Central California counties lately, you've probably noticed them. Splat! Splat! Splat! What was that? A squadron of flying insects? No, more like multiple squadrons of flying insects.

You gotta love those 'cats. Gulf Fritillary caterpillars (Agraulis vanillae) are always hungry. They're as hungry as teenagers returning home from a marathon swimming meet or from a double-overtime basketball game. As soon as they step in the front door, it's off to the refrigerator.

Sex. Passion. Passionflower vine. And by--what else--the "passion butterflies," Gulf Fritillaries (Agraulis vanillae). We came across the scenario below by accident.