Lady Bird Beetles and *Lupinus arboreus* (California Coastal Bush Lupine)
The California Coastal Bush Lupine Lupinus arboreus is subject to some major aphid infestations ( https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/80203682 ) primarily of Macrosiphum albifrons (the Lupine Aphid) and the local Lady Bird Beetles seem to "know" this. If I want to see a variety of Lady Bird Beetles this time of year I just head over to a patch of Coastal Bush Lupines and begin looking for orange. I didn't find any aphids this time, but the Lady Bird Beetles were there anyway, searching.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Tree Lupin (Lupinus arboreus)Observer
hkibakDescription
The small-leaved phase has already switched over to producing the larger 20--60 mm leaflets on the leaves, but no signs of flowering on this plant.
Jepson: Leaf: cauline; stipules 8--12 mm; petiole 2--3(6) cm; leaflets 5--12, 20--60 mm.
The final photo (#5) shows a field with both the common species of shrubby lupine found on Ft Ord... the glaucus Lupinus chamissonis on the right and middle, and the green Lupinus arboreus on the left.
Comments
Add a Comment