Danaus plexippus Larva: Fodder for Ants

Monarch aterpillar about to molt a fifth and final time

The Monarch caterpillar that I featured in a couple previous posts died about three weeks ago, just before it was about to molt one last time and pupate. My sadness at finding it lying lifeless a couple feet from its milkweed plant seemed out of proportion. I did not have the heart to post about… Continue reading Danaus plexippus Larva: Fodder for Ants

Hike, Run or Bike the Backbone Trail to New Etz Meloy

On the Backbone trail, overlooking Yerba Buena

Last Sunday I decided to check out the Etz Meloy – related section of the Backbone trail. Etz Meloy includes a new section that was recently opened up to the public. After covering the actual territory on foot and reading two or three articles about the issue, this is my understanding of how this came to… Continue reading Hike, Run or Bike the Backbone Trail to New Etz Meloy

California Sister

California Sister (Adelpha bredowii californica)

A friend and I were finishing up an early bicycle ride before the heat set in when we noticed a California Sister butterfly. We had just finished our climbing for the day. Our water bottles were empty so we stopped at a water spigot on our way down Stunt Road to refill them. The area around the water spigot was damp.… Continue reading California Sister