These are from a fairly well known population/occurrence. Along this particular slope, the majority of plants had already senesced, and were very dried out. A few individuals were just emerging, and a couple were still in bud. All in all, VERY dry conditions in the area, and this population is far past peak bloom for the season.
This is by far the largest, fanciest moth I have ever seen (and photographed) at about 2 inches head-to-tail and over 3 inches with wings fully expanded.
It has the bright orange-yellow hindwings (see 2nd photo).
These Triteleia laxa are abundant on this urban grassland slope and their purplish blue colour makes a nice contrast to the surrounding dry and pale grasses. And another thing:
Who wouldn't love their common name "Ithuriel's Spear", after the angel Ithuriel from Milton's 'Paradise Lost': perfectly ethereal, isn't it ...
There is almost nothing green left on these Fritillaria affinis, just tall stems crowned with the most amazing (and beautiful) seed pods!
Take a close look: there are two centipedes here.
This Douglas Iris bud is ready to unfurl and open up. Yet it is - in itself and at this moment in time - a thing of exquisite beauty.
This male Coastal Green Hairstreak took a liking to a backpack that was just about the same colour as himself... he had a sit and a rest on it.
Found a small cluster of these plants at various stages of bloom. I shall go back periodically and monitor their progress.
I can't tell if this is an overwintered male or a male with a few weeks on-the-wing...