#campus ecologies

[theplanthropologist]

I still think white sage in pre-bloom has the most beautiful plant architecture of any of our native species.

[theplanthropologist]

First claytonias of the season! This patch near the campus bus stop always blooms abundantly.

[theplanthropologist]

Even amongst scores of invasive radishes and European brome grasses, the poppies persist.

[theplanthropologist]

I don’t think there is a more beautiful sight than a coast live oak at dusk lit only by the moon.

[theplanthropologist]

Spring on campus brings iris blooms and banana slugs.

[theplanthropologist]

I love seeing white checkered skippers around campus.

[theplanthropologist]

Claytonia growing out of a rocky crevice and a banana slug.

[theplanthropologist]

Alright Entomologists….don’t freak out but I did see this special moth (C.togataria) with a mutation that gave it this crazy looking extra wing today.

Edit: Based on comments, I think this is in fact a distended hindwing of the moth rather than an extra wing! Thank you to all the bug folks who pointed this out.