Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) butterfly on non-native Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare, Asteraceae)
I guess this is a male Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) butterfly in the Oregon woods, though there are other large fritillaries that are candidates. I also saw the very different females in the woods, but I couldn't get a shot - but see this photo. It's working what I believe is a non-native Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) in the Asteraceae plant family. Weeds are still flowering, and that's where the butterflies are. (North Umpqua River, Oregon, 19 August 2013)
*Sigh* I was laid up with sciatica-type back and leg pains on most of this Oregon trip. I guess it's a pinched nerve, but it felt more like a choke hold! I got out with my camera most days in Oregon, but I didn't get far and couldn't bend very well - let alone chase butterflies. On the other hand, what a great place to be laid up. I am feeling better now - with butt pains from sitting so much!
Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) butterfly on non-native Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare, Asteraceae)
I guess this is a male Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) butterfly in the Oregon woods, though there are other large fritillaries that are candidates. I also saw the very different females in the woods, but I couldn't get a shot - but see this photo. It's working what I believe is a non-native Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) in the Asteraceae plant family. Weeds are still flowering, and that's where the butterflies are. (North Umpqua River, Oregon, 19 August 2013)
*Sigh* I was laid up with sciatica-type back and leg pains on most of this Oregon trip. I guess it's a pinched nerve, but it felt more like a choke hold! I got out with my camera most days in Oregon, but I didn't get far and couldn't bend very well - let alone chase butterflies. On the other hand, what a great place to be laid up. I am feeling better now - with butt pains from sitting so much!