Last night Painted Lichen moths were flying. Larval hosts for this species are mosses and lichens.
Colorado Potato Beetles are active. These beetles are native to Mexico where they feed on burweed. Cattle grazing allowed burweed and therefore these beetles to expand their range to Colorado. Potatoes originated in South America, were taken to Spain by early explorers, spread through Europe, recrossed the Atlantic to North America and eventually made their way to Colorado where these beetles acquired a taste for them … and, I gather, their name.
Finally, one of my recent "weed walks" turned up an albino Milkweed; a plant with no chlorophyl; a plant with no way to manufacture its own food. Obviously it's finding nutrients somewhere, but where? Thankfully, the lack of scientific explanations doesn't diminish the thrill of finding such an oddity.
John
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| Painted Lichen moth |
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| Colorado Potato Beetle |
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| Albino Milkweed |
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