Last of Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggreagata) flowering plants seen yesterday. Familiar story as for other wildflowers found in valley locations of western Montana.

Now is a good time to look for Spotted Spreadwing (Lestes congener), an 1.5 inch damselfly. Found in aquatic vegetation bordering a host of wetland types across American West and upper half of eastern U.S.

Giant Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) is a perennial wildflower lacking chlorophyll. Dependent on soil fungi (via roots) for nutrients. Can attain height of 68! inches. Found in dry coniferous forest in American West, upper Midwest, Northeast.

Wonderful

Now is a good time to look for Indian Pipe, an interesting wildflower. Has no chlorophyll, dependent on soil-based fungi for nutrients. Found growing in shaded, moist coniferous forest (Montana). Found in most other States too excepting the Southwest. Perennial. Find? Look for last years stems.

Hello Win, The lower left photo is a lichen of the Peltigera genus :-) Nice pics just the same.

Two-tailed Swallowtail, second largest North American butterfly, visiting our flower plantings (zinnia pictured). Check out your garden for similar action.

Nice photo Leslie

Sunflower flower head providing a little bit of organic sunshine...in case your day is in need of illumination :-)

According to Pyle (2002) from late July into early October Woodland Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) is: "the single most abundant butterfly in western Cascadia" (Pacific NW). Yes, I found many the other day on roadside moist soil downhill of seep :-)