Viola is both a LFP and NFP of some species of Lepidoptera, but for any kind of definitive answer you'd have to provide more descriptive information on both the plant and the bug, or better yet pictures to ID either with any certainty.

L.

I see you are in Georgia, and I do know that the Variegated Fritillary is known to use violets as a host plant. However, as Larry suggested, would need more info, like photos or detailed descriptions of the larvae to help try to make an ID.

Susan

Most all of the Speyeria and Euptoieta use viola as a preferred LFP, but mainly the bog or stream varieties (species).

Here's what a variegated fritillary looks like - they look like this in just about every instar -
{{gwi:461960}}
Sherry

{{gwi:490822}}

this is the c{{gwi:490823}}at, sorry it is not very clear.

The picture is too blurry for me to be able to see what it looks like, but I can see it well enough to know it's not a variegated fritillary. Is it rose pink? If so, it's probably a bud worm.
Sherry

{{gwi:490824}}
Not sure this pic is any better, it is apparently difficult for me to get a close up, sorry.

{{gwi:490825}}
Here goes one more try. Any ideas how to get a close up that is not blured? I have a Kodak easy share z730.

You might try using a tripod and the timed auto shutter release on the camera. Also see if it has a macro mode for close ups. There is a big difference between optical and digital zoom too, which also affects quality.

(Listen to me talk, the guy who can't get a descent clear closeup picture out of his fairly new Canon S3 IS either. I think I would do better with it if I was only 6 years old and not an old long time SLR film camera nut who just can't seem to learn new tricks with these digitals. They say practice makes pefect, but I've been so dissatisfied with the Canon I do not use it much. Wanna trade cameras MissSherry? LOL)

L.

No, Larry, I like this little point-and-shoot, easy-to-use Cannon - I couldn't master anything complicated!
I still can't see your cat very well, but I assume if it was a VF, you'd tell me, Ellix, since it'd look like the one in my picture.
Here's a link to a picture of a pretty, rose-pink budworm.
Sherry

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:490818}}

Ellix,
What I am seeing in your photo looks more and more like a Variegated Fritillary as your pictures get clearer. Is there anyway you can crop you picture using Photobucket? Your last photo looks like it might crop O.K.

Larry, I purchased a Canon Power Shot S5IS last year. After I got it home, I hated it. I couldn't do anything with it so I took it back. The guy gave me some quick lessons, and I decided to keep it. The main thing he told me was to use the P or program setting for pictures. When you are in the P mode, you can use the macro or super macro for your shots. I have had to learn to use it, but now I wouldn't trade it for my old camera. I was told that there are websites on the computer where you can go to learn to use your Canon camera. These websites are supposed to be much better than the instructions that came with the camera, which in my opinion, were absolutely pathetic. I've never had a fancy camera--just point and shoot cameras before this one. It's kind of a cross between a SLR and a point and shoot.

Ellix, each one of your pictures has gotten clearer than the last one. Is it possible your caterpillar is like the one MissSherry posted? Have you checked out Variegated Fritillaries online? If your caterpillar is a VF, they make the most beautiful chrysalis of all. The only other chrysalis to rival it is the Painted Lady Chrysalis.

Sandy

Ok, I am going to explore the photo 'experience' tomorrow once again and this 'croping' that I tried today.

Sherry, it is not the bud worm. It is ever so small-yet much larger than two days ago--however it has the right colors of the VF. Black hairy, the white, and that rusty color. I am seeing those colors more as they have grown. I am going now to check them out. Thanks for you patience.

Most of my VF chrysalids are just the plain brown and white variety, not especially gorgeous, but I once got the white ones that Sandy is referring to -
{{gwi:444545}}
Sherry

Sherry,

It's interesting the difference in the chrysalides from location to location. Here is what my Variegated Fritillary Chrysalides look like. I've never had any like yours.

{{gwi:490827}}

Yes, I see blue in yours, Sandy - beautiful!
I'll take a picture of the next chrysalid I get - they're not ugly, just more ordinary looking than the ones in the above pictures.
Sherry

It is a VF, it is so tiny even though it's grown a good bit the last couple of days and your pic of one is so big and plump so I took a magnifying glass out to check it closely and it is for sure. Thanks again

Ellix--Congrats on your VF! I'm so glad that got settled! I would looooove to see them here--I'll have to get some johnny jump-ups I guess. Are they in a safe spot? They are such beautiful butterflies too, beauties in each stage!

Bernergrrl, I am glad as well. A safe place? Well as johnny jump-ups name implies -they show up anywhere. The one I saw with this baby cat is located between walking stones as you first exit my porch and the others are scattered all about. That's just where these plants have scattered.