Nevada Buck Moth Caterpillar ~ While hiking in the mountains today, I ran across this very unusual caterpillar. It was one I'd never seen before. Researching after I got home, I discovered it is the caterpillar of the Nevada Buck Moth. Who knew? I'd never heard of it, but I understand there have been more than usual seen this summer in Southern CA.
Pacific Spiketail ~ On a trip to the mountains today, I saw this dragonfly on a plant stalk. I had never seen this one before, but my California Dragonfly book says it is a Pacific Spiketail. It was very pretty with its blue eyes and bright yellow spots.
Female California Dogface ~ There were several different species of butterflies in the mountains today. This one is a California Dogface, the state butterfly. This is a female, with paler colors, quite lovely with its green-yellow with pink markings.
