First Wildflowers of the Southern Rockies (for my sister)

This post is about a month late, but here goes...The First Wildflowers of the Spring! (as observed in the Sangre de Christos of Northern New Mexico)

Lupine (Lupinus)

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Paintbrush (Castilleja)

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Yellow Carrot (Pseudocymopterus)

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Daisy

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Draba

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Strawberry (Fragaria virginiatus)

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Pussytoes (Antennaria spp)

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Violet

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Clematis

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Frillary (Erodium)

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Iris

From Botanizing in New Mexico

Not pictured: Dandylion, Valerian, Senecio, thistles, Thermopsis (yellow wild pea), bluebells/chimingbells (Mertensia), orchids. Any other suggestions? How different are yours (if you live in another part of the country...)?

Can you name this Bug?

beetle on rush in alpine Colorado fen

From Flora and Fauna

beetle found on gravel bar, middle Verde River, AZ

From Verde River

caterpillar found in Sonoita Valley grass/mesquite woodland

From Sonoita Valley Grasslands

dragonfly found in Sonoita Valley grass/mesquite woodland

From Sonoita Valley Grasslands

mating "space cadet" grasshoppers, found in Sonoita Valley grass/mesquite woodland

From Sonoita Valley Grasslands

cool spider in saguaro east

From Saguaro National Park

butterfly and spider, Gila national forest, NM (ponderosa pine forest)

From Gila National Forest