Fleabane ..

9 September 2024

Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) is the pretty little daisy flower that seeds into the cracks in the terrace and paths. Abundantly. Big froths of whites through pinks into reds.

It is irresistible to small insects who love its nectar. Yesterday a male small copper (Lycaena phlaeas), seemed to be bathing in the flowers.

As with most butterflies, there’ve not been many small coppers this year.

We do our bit providing common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella) for their caterpillars.

I fear that the incremental decline of 1 or 2% of insect populations annually since the 1940’s may also be playing its part..