IDs always welcome! I do not have the field guides to identify these lepidopterans; let me know if you recognize anyone.
Of all the moths I have encountered, this one, found clinging to the stem of a corn lily, is my favorite. Look at that lovely pattern! Look how fuzzy he is!
Look at that face!
One morning when we were target-netting a female named IKIA, the field of corn lilies in which she had hidden her nest seemed to be full of butterflies.
A California Sister butterfly on my hand. Photo by M. LaBarbera
This summer in the field, once, a butterfly landed on my hand. I am reminded of it now that the government is maybe going to think about reopening and not plunging the world into economic crisis. Except that the butterfly was a delicate and beautiful creature that I felt might startle at any moment, while the government is… well, it might startle at any moment, but the other adjectives do not apply.
Come one, government! Do it for this crazy reverse-colored ladybug! And also, you know, for people.
A Rathvon’s lady beetle from my study area. Photo by M. LaBarbera.
UPDATE: Huzzah.
Tough Little Birds 