Tiny Predators and other Wildlife

Long-legged Fly (Condylostylus occidentalis) - These flying jewels are welcome in my backyard as one of the smallest predators they eat both mosquitos and aphids.

Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus)

Thelocactus Lloydii

Thelocactus Lloydii

Hechtia, Dykia, and Yucca

Hechtia texensis, a North American bromeliad native to the Big Bend region of Texas.

Hechtia texensis is all teeth and nails and tough as the day is long, but with cool weather and in an exposed sunny location it can turn beautiful shades of bright red.  Definitely a plant that needs to be discovered by the broader desert loving plant community.

Dyckia velascana, a similar species with silver leaves instead of green from Argentina with orange flowers.  Both species seem to be right on the growing edge of hardiness suffering a bit when temperatures drop below 16F.

Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly milkweed

Ruby-crowned kinglet