Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) is a common wildflower in our prairies. It is responding well to last year’s drought and this spring’s moisture. The flowers are a startling fuschia color, and they typically abound in areas where grasses are weak and short. The combination of those factors means purple poppy mallow stands out in the prairie.
As a photographer, I’m easily drawn to the kind of striking color poppy mallow flowers provide. And, since I like to photograph small creatures, I have a pretty good array of little invertebrates sitting on or in purple poppy mallow flowers. Here’s one from a couple years ago.
A snout beetle (weevil) inside a purple poppy mallow flower. The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies.
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It was amazingly dense in the I-80 median in many locations between North Platte and Grand Island last week.
Astounding shot! Neat to see the detail on the beetle.
Love the b/w detail surrounded by all that gorgeous color. Nice photo.
Love those Winecups!
Oh I love weevils!
Yeah, what Katy through Natalie said!