I’ve taken any number of photos this summer showing Mother Nature’s my favorite color combo. While I was writing the original post, I realized I couldn’t possibly fit all my photos into a single email. I’d love to say this is the rest of the story — but there are still more pink/purple + orange photos I may share with you.
The photo above shows giant hyssop with both a bee and a butterfly nectaring on it. From a photographic point of view, it was a first for me and quite likely a last: it is nearly impossible to get a shot this close in which both insects are in focus.
I love the bee’s furry body and beautiful, inscrutable eye.
The butterfly is a skipper, probably a russet skipperling. I first learned to identify skippers by their hooked antennae. As time went on, though, I realized it was even easier to identify them by their eyes. They are always dark, solid, and geometric.
The butterfly below, a great spangled fritillary nectaring on bee balm, is twice or three times as large as the skipperling, and just a bit smaller than a monarch.
I mentioned its fabulous polka-dot eyes earlier this month but wanted to make sure you got a close-up look.
Last but not least, a photo of giant hyssop by itself. It’s a mint which reminds me quite a bit of California hedge nettle. The similarities and differences between the two are endlessly fascinating to me.
Hope you all have a great week.
Beautiful and interesting photos, Lisa! The Russet Skipperling's geometric eyes are fascinating!
Fabulous close-ups!