A quick peek in the butterfly house made my day.

I witnessed my first gulf fritillary emerge from its chrysalis this afternoon. Crazy to think about, as this one marks the 24th that I have successfully raised in the butterfly house.

The chrysalis began growing darker yesterday, so I knew it was only a matter of time.

When I took a quick look inside, the bottom of the chrysalis was larger in size, almost square like. It was absolutely amazing watching it slowly slide out of its chrysalis.

I sat in awe watching the wings quickly straighten out, as the butterfly stopped at its final hanging spot to dry and harden the wings. A few hours later it was ready to get out of the butterfly house and take its first flight.

This butterfly is such a frequent guest in our gardens and can be found throughout the extreme southern portions of the U.S. The gulf fritillary has elongated forewings and can reach 65 to 95 mm with its wingspan. I love this butterfly for how different it appears with its wings both open and closed.