Jeanne and I have been down almost every road in Cooke County. There were only a few roads that we deemed unpassable and didn’t explore. Furthermore we certainly do not remember what was down all those roads as it was four years ago. Plus you never what you might have missed or what might be new. The Monday (14th) outing had been about retracing a few of those roads.
At a dead end and almost to the Red River we had to turn around. So it was time to stretch our legs again and check it out. A beautiful grape grew on the fence!
A tiny butterfly beckoned me to get closer. However oh my gosh it was on a big poison ivy.
Carefully I approached it, both for the poison ivy and not to scare it off. It moved to another plant but still next to the poison ivy. Inching closer I was able to get the shot of the Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops). The larva feeds on Winged Sumac (Rhus copallina) and other trees.
Carolina Buckthorn or Indian Cherry (Frangula caroliniana)!
The seeds of the Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis) are so cool in their whorled bundles!
The sepals of the Silver-leafed Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) grasped the fruit!
Silver-leafed Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) flower is pollinated by a process called buzz pollination. This site Wisconsin Pollinators has a great video and explanation. Other pollinators are also featured. An additional fact I read somewhere was that you can tell when the Solanum has released all its pollen. The anthers will looked bruised. This one was still waiting for its buzz.
Last stop!
These tiny soldiers have held their post now for at least four years. I sure would like to meet there commander. You know the one that nailed them there. LOL
Suzanne’s first visit to their post.
We gave them a salute as we left them to their duty as we headed home. A great day on the roads of Cooke County!
I got so excited when I saw the Red banded hairstreak. I probably have ever seen one and it was long ago.
Love the grasping sepals on the nightshade fruit. I was photographing plants on our place that get no extra water and how they were looking. You can’t hardly recognize the silverleaf nightshades they are so shriveled up, much less blooming.
So did you, Shirley or Claire nail those little soldiers there?
Wasn’t me either. I dont think Shirley either but only because I don’t she came to this part of the county often or if ever. At least that I knew about. She didn’t have any special plants up this way.
Such a beautiful butterfly. The pic shows the intricacies. And the soldiers are funny. Would like to know their story.
Me too🤷🏻♀️
I got so excited when I saw the Red banded hairstreak. I probably have ever seen one and it was long ago.
Love the grasping sepals on the nightshade fruit. I was photographing plants on our place that get no extra water and how they were looking. You can’t hardly recognize the silverleaf nightshades they are so shriveled up, much less blooming.
So did you, Shirley or Claire nail those little soldiers there?
It wasn’t me haha. We have red banded hairstreaks in our yard and I love them!
Wasn’t me either. I dont think Shirley either but only because I don’t she came to this part of the county often or if ever. At least that I knew about. She didn’t have any special plants up this way.