These are shots of a red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) feeding on some wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata). The flowers are found along roadsides in rural Florida in great numbers. They often appear purple or pink. . . or blue. . .depending on the soil nutrients present.
The butterfly has a wing spread of only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) so it is easily overlooked. The upper side of the wings are black. The front wings have a broad, orange median band with white spots nearer the apex. The hind wings have a marginal orange band. Both fore and hind wings have a series of curved white dashes along the margins. The underside of the front wings are dark with white spots apically and a pinkish to orange median band. The undersides of the hind wings are marbled.
In Florida the larvae feed on herbs in the nettle family (Urticaceae) -- most commonly plants in the genera Urtica, Boehmeria, Laportea, and Parietaria.
If you go looking for caterpillars from this little guy. . . look for false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Florida pellitory (Parietaria floridana), heartleaft nettle (Urtica chamaedryoides) and the naturalized exotic stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) and burning nettle (Utrica urens).
These are all the weeds you likely pull from your garden. I leave some along the fence lines to let the larvae transform in peace.
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