The Dragon-Bravo Fire, had caused me great anxiety. It and the White Sage Fire to the north, had prevented me setting camp near Jacob Lake and assisting with the North Rim Butterfly Count.
Instead, I set camp near Cedar Breaks National Monument, where I had all of my overland-gear stolen.
In case you missed it, the recording is now available via the same link below.
@wendywiens.bsky.social
Larval stage of Nuttall’s Sheep Moth (Hemileuca nuttalli) resting along a twig of snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.) at Prairie Dog Knoll in the Abajo Mountains. The caterpillar is elongated and slightly arched, gripping the branch with its thoracic legs while the prolegs anchor behind. The body is predominantly charcoal to deep gray, overlaid with narrow, irregular yellow longitudinal striping that runs the length of the dorsum and flanks. Each segment bears clustered rosettes of branched spines (scoli). These are black at the core with vivid yellow bases, creating a repeating pattern of starburst-like tufts across the back. Fine secondary hairs fill the spaces between the larger spines, giving the larva a textured, bristled appearance. The spines are defensive—stiff, mildly urticating structures typical of many saturniid larvae. Their contrasting yellow-and-black coloration likely functions as aposematic signaling, advertising chemical or mechanical defense to predators such as birds. The patterning is bold but effective against the mottled greens and browns of montane shrublands. Snowberry serves as a known host plant in portions of this species’ range, particularly in upland habitats of the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. The surrounding vegetation suggests early summer growth—fresh green leaves and pliant stems—consistent with the mid-June date. At this stage, larvae are actively feeding and accumulating mass before pupation in soil or leaf litter later in the season. Compared to the striking adult, the larva presents a different kind of visual impact—less graphic but more intricate. The repeated scoli, alternating striping, and subtle gradations of gray create a complex surface texture adapted to both deterrence and concealment within shrub-dominated mountain landscapes.
Pupal stage of Nuttall’s Sheep Moth (Hemileuca nuttalli), photographed from Prairie Dog Knoll in the Abajo Mountains of southeastern Utah. The pupa is smooth, compact, and spindle-shaped, tapering slightly toward the posterior end. Its coloration is a uniform deep mahogany to reddish-brown, with a matte, leathery surface. Fine speckling of pale soil particles adheres to the cuticle, consistent with subterranean or leaf-litter pupation typical of the genus. Abdominal segmentation is clearly defined by shallow transverse grooves encircling the body. Along the ventral midline, a series of small, oval impressions mark spiracular openings and segmental structures. The anterior region is more rounded and subtly domed, with faint sculpturing where the developing head and thoracic appendages are enclosed beneath the pupal shell. A subtle seam line runs longitudinally, indicating the future eclosion split through which the adult moth will emerge. Unlike some saturniid moths that spin heavy silken cocoons, Hemileuca species typically pupate within a loose cocoon or cell in the soil. The hardened cuticle provides protection during overwintering, shielding the developing adult from desiccation, temperature extremes, and predation. In montane habitats such as the Abajo Mountains, this stage may persist through extended cold periods before adult emergence in early to mid-summer. Visually, the pupa presents a stark contrast to both the spined larva and the boldly patterned adult. It is unadorned, utilitarian, and cryptic—an intermediate form emphasizing protection and transformation rather than display. Within this smooth, sealed casing, the dramatic winged morphology of the adult is reorganized from larval tissues in a complete metamorphic transition characteristic of the Saturniidae.
Pinned dorsal specimen of a male Nuttall’s Sheep Moth (Hemileuca nuttalli), wings spread to approximately 64 mm. The moth presents a bold, high-contrast pattern in cream, pale yellow, charcoal, and black. The forewings are triangular and predominantly pale cream, overlaid with heavy black scaling that forms thick transverse bands and a dark outer margin. Each forewing bears a distinct black discal eyespot set within a pale field, giving the appearance of paired “ocelli” near the center of the wings. The black patterning is granular and peppered, with the pale areas showing fine speckling toward the margins. The hindwings are rounded and warmer in tone—soft yellow to apricot—framed by a broad, dark border. Large black patches sit near the inner half of each hindwing, mirrored left and right. Along the outer edge, the dark border breaks into a series of inward-pointing pale wedges, creating a scalloped effect. The thorax is densely furred in golden ochre and dark brown, giving the species its “sheep moth” common name. The abdomen is banded in alternating black and yellow-orange segments, ending in a small tuft of brighter orange hairs. As a male, this specimen shows strongly bipectinate (feathered) antennae, adapted for detecting female pheromones. This species is characteristic of open sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper woodland, and montane meadow systems across the interior West. The Abajo Mountains location at West Mountain suggests mid- to higher-elevation habitat typical for the species in southeastern Utah. Adults fly in early to mid-summer; males are active fliers during the day, often coursing low over vegetation in search of females. The specimen’s symmetry and intact scaling indicate careful preparation. The overall effect is striking—bold, almost graphic patterning set against soft, woolly textures—an insect well adapted to the arid and montane landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.
Nuttall's Sheep Moth
𝘏𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘤𝘢 𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪
64mm
Male
West Mountain, Abajo Mountains
San Juan County, Utah, USA
8 July 2022
Robb Hannawacker
Ambrosia
The decapitation plan succeded.
I hope that the good and resilient people that survived his abuse, have all the ambition and wherewithal to progress into a new Persian State. The power-vacuum is a terrifying transition that extremists like Khamenei can take advantage of.
…to do something about it while we still have options.
youtube.com/watch?v=GV8K...
The Oceans have much inertia in temperature changes. So more consequential than atmospheric trends and feedbacks.
We’ve cursed the future. I’m miserable about it.
This is another troubling problem for academia in 2024 - for the foreseeable. Bigotry is law, as well as its friend, theocracy. However, as long as trends show some roll-backs, hopefully there’s hope.
LDN for Long COVID symptoms, is reasonable to discuss with a physician. Evidence is early but credible.
“Spike detox” protocols, are supported by mainstream immunology or clinical data.
This ad blends a legitimate medication with unsupported detox claims; reducing overall its credibility.
Crystopropyl (isopropyl + crystal light)
Text generated by GEMINI: This image captures the staggering scale and geological artistry of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim in Arizona. Taken in mid-July, the scene is bathed in the clear, bright light of a high-altitude summer afternoon, highlighting the intricate textures of the canyon walls. Composition and Landscape The photograph is framed by lush, dark green coniferous trees in the foreground—likely ponderosa pines or Douglas firs—which provide a sharp color contrast to the warm earth tones of the chasm. The canyon itself is a masterclass in stratification. You can clearly see the distinct horizontal layers of sedimentary rock, representing millions of years of Earth's history: * The Upper Tiers: Feature pale, creamy limestone and sandstone caps. * The Middle Sections: Dominated by deep ochre, rust-red, and burnt orange hues, where iron oxide has stained the rock faces. * The Depths: Deep shadows tuck into the inner gorges, hinting at the immense vertical drop toward the Colorado River. Light and Atmosphere The lighting creates a dramatic interplay of highlight and shadow. While the prominent buttes and "temples" in the center are illuminated, the recessed alcoves and side canyons are cast in cool, blue-toned shadows. This depth allows the eye to wander through the labyrinthine ridges that stretch toward the horizon. Distant Horizons In the far background, the canyon plateaus give way to a hazy, pale blue ridgeline under a cloudless sky. This atmospheric perspective emphasizes the vastness of the Arizona high desert, where the North Rim sits significantly higher and cooler than the more frequently visited South Rim. The overall mood is one of profound stillness and ancient endurance—a snapshot of a landscape that is both a desert wasteland and a vibrant, forested plateau.
North Rim Grand Canyon
Arizona, USA
15 July 2023
Text generated by GEMINI: This image captures a wide-angle, panoramic view of the Coxcomb Mountains in the eastern section of Joshua Tree National Park, California. Taken on November 7, 2007, the photograph highlights the rugged, arid beauty of the Mojave and Colorado Desert transition zone. Landscape Composition The photo is structured into three distinct visual planes that showcase the area's unique geological features: * The Foreground: A chaotic field of light-colored granitic boulders and jagged rock outcrops. These rocks show signs of significant desert weathering, with some appearing smooth and rounded while others remain sharp. Sparse, hardy desert scrub—likely creosote bushes—dots the spaces between the rocks. * The Midground: A series of steep, V-shaped alluvial fans and foothills lead the eye upward toward the main range. The transition from the desert floor to the vertical peaks is abrupt, characteristic of the basin-and-range topography. * The Background: The silhouette of the Coxcomb Mountains dominates the horizon. The peaks are notably serrated and "tooth-like," living up to their name. The rock here appears darker and more weathered than the foreground boulders, displaying deep shadows that emphasize the range's complex ridges and canyons. * Sky: The sky is a pale, crisp blue, streaked with delicate cirrus clouds and a faint jet contrail on the left side, suggesting a high-pressure, clear-weather day. Geological Context The Coxcomb Mountains are distinct within Joshua Tree for their granitic composition. Unlike the rounded "monzogranite" piles found in the Hidden Valley area, the Coxcombs are part of a more rugged, uplifting tectonic block. This creates a more formidable and less "pillowy" appearance, reflecting a different stage of geological erosion and mineral makeup.
Coxcomb Mountains
Joshua Tree National Park
California, USA
7 November 2007
Text generated by GEMINI: This striking image captures a cluster of iconic Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) standing as silent sentinels within the high-desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park, California. Taken in late October, the scene is bathed in the soft, diffused light of a slightly overcast sky, highlighting the unique, jagged silhouettes that make this region famous. The Central Subjects The composition is dominated by several mature Joshua trees, each displaying the characteristic "limbs" that give them their name—legend has it that Mormon pioneers thought the branches resembled the biblical figure Joshua reaching his hands up in prayer. * Structure: The trees feature thick, fibrous trunks that give way to a chaotic crown of twisted branches. Each branch is capped with a dense, spiky pom-pom of evergreen, dagger-like leaves. * The "Main" Tree: Occupying the center-left, a particularly tall specimen showcases an intricate, sprawling branch pattern, displaying the erratic growth that occurs after the tree blooms or is damaged by frost. The Desert Landscape The environment surrounding the trees reflects the rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert: * Flora: The ground is covered in a carpet of dry, golden-tan grasses and low-lying desert scrub. Splashes of rust-colored vegetation add warmth to the foreground, suggesting the cooling temperatures of mid-autumn. * Topography: In the background to the right, a classic desert "kopje"—a hill composed of weathered, rounded granite boulders—rises from the floor. These rock formations are a hallmark of the park, created by millions of years of erosion. * Atmosphere: The pale, hazy blue sky provides a neutral backdrop that emphasizes the dark, textural bark and needle-sharp leaves of the trees. A dirt path or road, likely Park Boulevard, is visible in the lower right, grounding the viewer in the perspective of a traveler passing through this prehistoric landscape.
Joshua trees along Park Boulevard
Joshua Tree National Park
California, USA
24 October 2010
Cootees!
♥️
I’m excited about the Winter Olympics returning to Utah in 2034.
youtube.com/shorts/LYe6c...
I cannot overstate, how strange the weather has been here, at my 3-corners homeland (Nevada-Arizona-Utah).
It’s been so pleasant, which is strange for a person to complain about.
I’m very close to cycles, and in my adult life, I’ve never experienced such a mild winter as 2025-2026.
I’m alarmed!
Not just science!
Comprehensive study; including:
Study of logic philosophies
Less time with arithmetic
More study of the human-condition
Too many specialists are ignorant AF.
@luceelente.bsky.social
What a treat to see
Keep it up
Join the cause
Two very compelling people:
Service
Honor
Sacrifice
Tragedy
Science
Exploration
BRAVERY.
Two very compelling people:
Service
Honor
Sacrifice
Tragedy
Science
Exploration
BRAVERY.
Seeming more likable, in a way.
There’s less deceptive power, when you are clearly dealing with a monster.
Please native seeds only.
The same varieties from your local area.
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Boxelder County, Utah, USA 7 May 2017
West Coast Lady Vanessa annabella Red Butte Coconino County, Arizona, USA. 6 May 2011
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Pack Creek 6200' San Juan County, Utah, USA 20 April 2017
American Lady Vanessa virginiensis Hull Tank, Grand Canyon Arizona, USA 13 May 2015
These are the same butterflies as the prior post, but of the dorsal of living North American Vanessa species of butterfly.
Some favored caterpillar food plants:
• Painted- thistles (any many others)
• West Coast- mallows
• Red Admiral- nettles
• American- everlasts
ALTs show data
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Boxelder County, Utah, USA 7 May 2017
West Coast Lady Vanessa annabella Red Butte Coconino County, Arizona, USA. 6 May 2011
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Pack Creek 6200' San Juan County, Utah, USA 20 April 2017
American Lady Vanessa virginiensis Hull Tank, Grand Canyon Arizona, USA 13 May 2015
These are the same butterflies as the prior post, but of the dorsal of living North American Vanessa species of butterfly.
Some favored caterpillar food plants:
• Painted- thistles (any many others)
• West Coast- mallows
• Red Admiral- nettles
• American- everlasts
ALTs show data
It’s a longtime obsession. 😆
These photos are by George @luceelente.bsky.social
I had added the arrows and text, to help with identification of the two similar species of butterflies:
