My philosophy is to spend as much time outside exploring as I can! Even though we live out in the country, I have never found it boring outside in any weather. And I believe I can probably safely say Jeanne feels the same way as many of you do as well. Of course, my preference is not just outside, but outside in the wild.
So Jeanne and I did a driving tour yesterday starting on the Seldom Seen Road (yes that is a real road name). Since it was hot, we drove slow and did the stop and hop in and out of the car thing. At our first stop, we were both amazed the Redroot or New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) was blooming! Indeed, what a crazy year!
We are always happy to see the Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). With a slight breeze the anthers waved at us! It is a host plant for several skippers. In addition, many birds utilizes it for nesting sites or seeds.
The Blue Sage (Salvia azurea) was just thick along the roads. Apparently it got just enough moisture this year to produce!
Sleepy Oranges were helping themselves!
The False Gaura (Oenothera glaucifolia, syn.Stenosiphon linifolius) was doing well too! A couple a weeks ago, when Jeanne and I stopped to look at the False Gaura, we were finding lots of crab spiders. So of course, we had to examines these as well. However, this time we found more than spiders. First was this hard cocoon. There were multiple of them so one came to the safety of jar on my shelf. š Stay tuned!
Second find, was an unknown spikey larva. It did not come home with me.
Third find! A tiny (4-5 mm) Tortricid Moth (Tortricidae). I have a tentative ID in the Grapholita genus. Part of it wings shimmer blue!
Final photo at the first stop. A tiny bee was loaded with pollen. Indeed, it really is a wonder that these amazing pollinators can fly with all that pollen! Tomorrow’s post will continue with the road trip.
Finally, an event that some of you may want to take advantage of at the Leo Ranch. Texas Land Conservancy is holding a 40th anniversary event at the Dixon Foundation at the Leo Ranch. It will be October 8th. For details follow this link. So Jeanne and I will both be there assisting with the guided walks. And it is free!
Keep looking!
The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know.
6 Comments
I would never have known that was a cocoon. Would like to have known what spiny larva would have made.
I would never have known that was a cocoon. Would like to have known what spiny larva would have made.
I’m so glad y’all can help with the guided walks at Leo! Thank you.
The pleasure is all mine!
I was tempted to bring the larva home, but well I didn’t. ;-0
I think my little ceanothus died. Iām so glad yours in the wild is happy!
Sorry about your ceanothus. Maybe it will surprise you and come back next year š¤š¼