On the top

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…

Found the head waters!

Found the head waters!

 Today, we went back to find the head waters of this unnamed creek we had been exploring for the last few weeks. You know, the same one in “up a creek” post, but ran out of time to continue that day. Success today! Barely got going and came across several of these beautiful Lecanora species…

Congratulations to Jeff Quayle!

Congratulations to Jeff Quayle!

Every year the Native Plant Society of Texas recognizes organizations and individuals. The Shirley Lusk Memorial, honors a citizen scientist for collecting and preserving Texas native plants for public education by providing outstanding contribution of herbarium voucher specimens. Jeff Quayle is recognized this year for his collection of over 1000 herbarium specimens stored at the…

Misty

Misty

 Not getting much rain here, mostly just light to heavy mist. Misty on the prairie The above two photos are of Western Horse Nettle (Solanum dimidiatum), but I wonder why the water droplets did not stick at least to the wrinkly ones? Eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii) Funnel spider web The mist did not stop the water striders…

Wake up!

Wake up!

Sleep Daisy (Xanthisma texanum var drummondii) not awake yet. They woke up around 11:30am But some still are sleeping The morning dew highlights this Bowl and Doily Weaver or Cup N Saucer spider (Frontinella pyramitela) web. Only two species in North America and the other one is only in Arizona. The spider is about 4mm…

Mosquitos!

Mosquitos!

  The mosquitoes are back with a vengeance! At least this girl won’t be getting my blood. This handsome fella, Salt Marsh Moth (Estigmene acrea), showed up at my backdoor last night.. He had just emerged. You can tell because in the top photo you can see his wing has not fully pumped up. Females…