I saw numerous Mormon metalmarks on La Luz (in the Sandias) earlier today. These gorgeous little butterflies were focusing much of their attention on these small asters.
Butterflies (and Moths)
Sandia Hairstreak, 2023 Edition
One of the year’s first Sandia hairstreak butterflies rests on a blade of beargrass. Sandia hairstreaks are New Mexico’s state butterfly.
Reakirt’s Blue (Butterfly)
It was an exceptionally long fall in the Sandia foothills this year. The chamisa bloomed well into November and butterflies were significantly more abundant than usual. My favorite was this beautiful male Reakirt’s Blue, which showed up just a few weeks ago.
Southwestern Orangetip Butterfly
A Southwestern orangetip nectaring on rockcress. I have always called these butterflies Sara orangetips but nowadays they’re known as Southwestern orangetips. They’re very small butterflies — and the rockcress flowers are even smaller.