lichen-apothecia

These saucer-like formations are the reproductive structures (called apothecia) of the fungal component of this lichen.

earth-star-fungus-1

I found several earth star fungus fruiting bodies along Bluebonnet Trail. Read more: "Teacher, teacher, teacher!".

calosoma-caterpillar-hunter

If it wants to grow into a butterfly, that caterpillar had better watch out for predators like this one -- a jewel-hued Calosoma beetle.

butterflies-at-seep

Just loose bark? Look again. I counted 15 butterflies (all hackberry emperors (Asterocampa celtis) except for one question mark), which were apparently sipping seeping sap!

poison-ivy-flowers

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron sp.) is thriving. Read more: Butterfly forest.

question-mark-butterfly

Question mark (Polygonia interrogationis). Read more: Butterfly forest.

foliose-lichen

Fallen junipers support luxuriant growths of foliose (leaf-like) lichen.

moss

Moss and lichen on a juniper trunk.

red-admiral

Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

hackberry-emperor

Hackberry emperor (Asterocampa celtis). Read more: Butterfly forest.