Tosohatchee WMA, Thistles & Butterflies, May 8, 2013

Found a Sabatia calycina. First time photographing it in Toso. Previously identified this species in Orlando Wetlands. Got a few good photos of butterflies on thistles.

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Nuttall's thistle (Cirsium nuttallii, Asteraceae) Native

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Purple thistle (Cirsium horridulum, Asteraceae) Native

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Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium, Convolvulaceae)
Native

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Coastalplain hawkweed (Hieracium megacephalon, Asteraceae) Native

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Largeflower rosegentian (Sabatia grandiflora, Gentianaceae)
Native

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Coastal rosegentian (Sabatia calycina, Gentianaceae)
Native

This Sabatia was found on the edge of a water-filled ditch at the intersection of Fish Hole Rd and Beehead Trail.

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Skippers on Nuttall's thistle.

I believe the dark brown one is a female; the golden brown one is a male. The feeding tube of butterflies is flexible and steerable, as these photos demonstrate.

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