Today’s photos are not from today. I took the day off. 😉 And it was warmer on this particular outing on the February 8th.
I stopped in to check on the Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum). No signs of them sprouting yet.
However Death Camass (Zigadenus nuttallii) has emerged!
The Cymopterus (Vesper macrorhizus) are looking nice!
Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) hails from Europe. First attempts to established this beetle failed in 1956-1971. However in 1973 by accidental introduction in New Jersey it took off. Then spread across North America.
On a warm days the butterflies will be out. This American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) had probably just emerged from its chrysalis. However they had a deformed wing that was crumpled.
Several of the American Ladies were out. When their wings are shut sometimes only the reddish color on the forewing will them give away.
Here’s an American Lady with open wings. The arrows point to key marks to distinguish it from a Painted Lady. Top arrow shows where a Painted Lady has a dark connecting line. None on the American Lady. The left arrow points to a tiny white spot on the forewing. Last marks the larger spots on the inner hindwing.
When the wings on the American Lady are closed look for the two spots on the hind wing. Painted Ladies have four spots.
Perhaps we will see more butterflies out as soon as this cold weather subsides.
Cymopterus is wonderful. Cliff dwellings are fun to visit.
I love the article about Tse Yaa Kin. When we visited the ancient pueblo sites west of Durango last fall, I did feel an energy deserving of respect.
It always amazes me these sites where people lived and thrived. Respect yes!