Dainty Sulphur on Spiny Aster

This butterfly, flower combination may not be as poetic as Queen and Purple Mist, but these small Dainty Sulphurs appear to be the perfect butterfly to visually compliment the Spiny Aster flowers:

Numerous species of butterflies were active today (Monday, October 7, 2013) as I walked the San Antonio River Mission Reach trail between the Concepcíon Park and Confluence Park trailheads. The Dainty Sulphur  were particularly attracted to the numerous Spiny Aster (Chloracantha spinosa) flowers.

The Spiny Aster looks weak and straggly. Its leaves quickly drop off as they mature leaving the spindly bare stems. Their appearance, however, is misleading. This is a very important riparian plant, perfect for an environment that periodically floods. Above ground, the leafless stems provide very little resistance to the flood water. Below ground, its extensive root and rhizome system provides excellent erosion protection. It has a very high root stability rating of 8.

The Spiny Aster isn't specifically listed as a larval host for the Dainty Sulphur, but it is likely one possible host as this butterfly has a predilection for plants in the Asteraceae Family.