I didn’t know it at first but soon found out from other lepidoptera enthusiasts that the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae incarnata) is a rare visitor to New York City. It is called the gulf Fritillary because it has been seen far out over the Gulf of Mexico. This one has been hanging out in the Conservatory Garden in Central Park for a few days. Its host plant is the Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). A life butterfly for me.

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae), Central Park 7/7/2018

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae on Narrowleaf Zinea (Zinnia angustifolia), Central Park 7/7/2018

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on a Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea purpurea), Central Park 7/7/2018

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on a Campanula, Central Park 7/7/2018

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on a Hydrangea, Central Park 7/7/2018

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), Central Park 7/7/2018