It was not long before the blue sky started to peek through the clouds. We started on top of a mesa. Then we walked along the edge of the woods but still in the grasses.
The gayfeather was past its prime.
Still Prairie Verbena on the prairie!
Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens) on Indiangrass! Aphids are the main part of their diet. They are native to South America. Yes, they were imported here to control aphids. Why, did we do that with over 450 native species of ladybugs in North America? Pesticides, uck! The Asian Lady Beetle introduced in 1916 has spread across the country and out- competes many native species.
Indiangrass, Little Bluestem and Tall Grama!
Occasionally, we run across a researcher’s stake. NEON does a lot of survey work at the grasslands. In this case, they had large grid staked out. No idea what they are surveying.
The aster had retained a bit more dew than the Partridge Pea below.
So this example of Partridge Pea most of dew was gone or rolled off already.
Yucca! We were uncertain to the species because some had no hairs at the edges of the leaves. Arkansas Yucca usually has lot of curly hairs. However, on the ones that did have hairs seem to be more straight and long. Maybe a trip back next year during the blooming time should be on the schedule, eh!
A Prairie Gaillardia! Tomorrow’s post will be in the woods. Stay tuned!
The leaves changing color kinda remind me of octopuses changing so quickly.
that survey stake looks like the kind used to estimate the vegetation density/height.
Thanks Claire!
What fascinating articles- squeaky beans and color changes