Gulf Fritillary in the late autumn sun

Now that the days are much cooler here, there are few butterflies around.

When the daytime temperatures hit the mid-60's at the warmest, for a few hours bees and butterflies visit.

The occasional cabbage white, umber skipper or fiery skipper fly by during those hours.

What a surprise to see this gulf fritillary in our native patch, resting among the dried native grasses and buckwheat, absorbing the warmth of the sun.