On the top
Yesterday, after we climbed out of the creek bed, we walked along the top of the mesa in the prairie. So the following are a few things that capture my eye on the top of the mesa.
Gayfeather (Liatris mucronata) with a Meshweb weaver (Dictynidae) web under the blooms.
Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on Gayfeather. We also saw a few monarchs, Buckeyes, and an Orange Sulphur or two.
The colors on this Whitlow Wort (Paronychia virginica) were so pretty as it goes to seed.
The seeds have already dropped off of this Queen’s Delight (Stillingia texana).
Stipplescale or Earthscale (Placiduim species) is this brown color that is hardly noticed as most walk on the prairies.
When you add water it turns greenish. That is the algae showing itself under the thallus (top layer of a lichen).
Prairie Agalinis (Agalinis herterophylla) nearing the end.
Black Dalea (Dalea frutescens) seeds
Fossilized mussel shell.
Ruellia (Ruellia humilis)
Keeping on looking!
Every so pretty!
I love seeing how the earthscale transforms, and the black dalea seeds. I don't think I've ever seen its seeds.