Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA reports there has been rain in the Southern California including Anza-Borrego, Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Mojave.

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association has a number of early season wildflower observations and photos at Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association

Death Valley National Park reports

One of the earliest and most prolific spring blooms in Death Valley is the Brown-eyed Evening Primrose (Camissonia claviformis) Late afternoon and early morning are the prime times to view this flower. It is not at its best in the middle of the day, when the harsh sunshine wilts the little blossoms. Remember, this is an EVENING primrose!

The pollen and nectar from these flowers is pretty tasty to a number of bees in the park. One species, Andrena rozenii, collects pollen from no other plant, and nests and mates near the blossoms. Another insect that is closely affiliated with this plant is the Sphynx Moth. This, however, is not a symbiotic relationship. These moths also love the nectar, but their long tongues allow them to steal it without transferring any pollen. They lay their eggs on or near these plants, so that their caterpillars have a ready food source, without providing any benefit to the plant.

This leads me to wonder…Are the bees about yet? Will the plants get pollinated? What will be the repercussions when Nature’s timing changes? Points to ponder….

See photos at  Death Valley National Park