Morning Starbucks Stop

(Fig. 01)

Picture Notes: I took these pictures on 03/29/2012 on a hike to the Weiser Ridge area of Nevada, just west of the Valley of Fire. Desert Marigolds (Fig. 01) seemed to be the predominant plant in the very large open desert area leading up to the ridge-lines. As I walked by one grouping along the side of the road I captured a few quick hand-held shots showing a variety of bees and flies (Figs. 02 & 03) enjoying a morning drink of nectar, the sugar-rich liquid commonly produced by plants. I found the some-what iridescent metalic green bug in the bottom right picture to be quite interesting. As best I can determine, it is a Shiny Green Fly (Condylostylus patibulatus).

Description: Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) are annual flowers with relatively large, showy, yellow flowers that can turn the landscape yellow during a good year. The flower is a typical daisy (composite) flower. (Read more at … Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata).

(Fig. 02)

(Fig. 03)