Astranthium integrifolium~Entireleaf Western Daisy
The Entireleaf Western Daisy is blooming and it’s time to begin the pollinator watch!
Western Daisy with Hover Fly and Carpet Beetle
You might recall that I introduced you to Entireleaf Western Daisy (Astranthium integrifolium) last fall and shared that very little is known about whether it’s a host plant for moths or butterflies, which pollinators visit and if mammals graze it.
It’s only been within the last decade that wildflower guides have included this charming annual native in their publications. They all say more or less the same thing~’a good gardening plant for attracting butterflies”. If you search the internet, you’ll find little more then the name and plant family listed. I want to know more and decided last fall to pay special attention to the little daisy and the pollinators that visit it.
Still searching for the ID
Now is a great time to begin observing faunal associations. The Entireleaf Western Daisy plants are in bloom all over the garden. This is a plant that blooms in shade or sun; in garden beds or the lawn. I’ll have different environments to observe. In the last month, small gnats, little bees, Hover Flies and a strange little pollen eating beetle (adult carpet beetle) have been seen on Entireleaf Western Daisy. I’ve not seen any larger bees, small butterflies or skippers.
Astranthium integrifolium
This is just the beginning, Entireleaf Western Daisy will bloom on and off until frost. I’ll take photos of all observed visitors and keep you posted.
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What a pretty daisy. You are a scientist at heart aren’t you Gail.
Well, my son the true scientist would laugh at that~But, this is a fun little observation. gail
Gail recently posted..A Wildflower Celebration With- A Few Wildflowers- One Shrub- A Tree and a Garden View
Gorgeous photos, Gail! It’s so exciting that you are watching this so closely. Thanks for contributing to our knowledge!
Carole Brown recently posted..Early Spring Blooms in My Wildlife Garden
Carole, it’s really been fun and once it stops raining and the pollen is available I will continue my little experiment. gail
Gail recently posted..A Wildflower Celebration With- A Few Wildflowers- One Shrub- A Tree and a Garden View
It’s funny! I’ve forgotten all about daisies for pollinators. We have precious little blooming these days – mostly on the fruit trees but I’ve been happy to spot native bees, honey bees, a bumble bee and a big fat black bee.
Green Bean recently posted..Natures Songs
That turquoise & black bug is really interesting, I wonder what it is? The blooms are so cute & fresh.
Mr. McGregor’s Daughter recently posted..Blue- White- Yellow & a Touch of Pink- Last Week at Squirrelhaven
Barb, They are adorable. The bug is great. I haven’t been able to id it…I might have to post it on fb to see if anyone can.
Gail recently posted..A Wildflower Celebration With- A Few Wildflowers- One Shrub- A Tree and a Garden View
Very nice little daisy! Your unknown insect got me searching on bugguide.net — I thought it was a fly, but wasn’t sure that it wasn’t a bee of some sort.
Well, it’s a fly! http://bugguide.net/node/view/97340/bgpage
Alan @ it’s not work, it’s gardening! recently posted..Im starting to like Iris!
Alan, You are my hero….Thank you, not only did you id the critter, but, I now know that my Finepix was able to record the correct color! Sweet. gail
Gail Eichelberger recently posted..A Wildflower Celebration With- A Few Wildflowers- One Shrub- A Tree and a Garden View
Gail -
The fly in question on the daisy is a Soldier Fly, genus Odontomyia. They’re neatly colored little flies.
I’m a professional stock photographer specializing in plant and insect photography. I’ve photographed this fly many times.