Blossoms and Butterflies
The Everlasting Connection of California Buckwheat and Behr’s Metalmark
by Chloe Van Loon
Some relationships in nature are lifelong, and that’s precisely the scenario between the California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and the Behr’s metalmark butterfly (Apodemia virgulti) in our coastal sage scrub ecosystems.
In spring, the dainty pink and white flowers of the California buckwheat start to bloom — just what the adult Behr’s metalmark is looking for. The frilly dense flower clusters are the perfect perch for a nectar meal. Like the buckwheat, Behr’s is a striking and easily recognizable butterfly. You can tell you’re looking at a Behr’s by the black and brick-red patches dotted with charming white spots.
After emerging from an egg that was laid in groups on lower leaves, the caterpillar begins eating the young leaves. Feeding occurs under the cover of darkness to avoid predators. During the day, the caterpillar rests inside shelters of leaves tied together with silk. In the winter, it hibernates inside various parts of the plant. As you can see, gardens and nature preserves with California buckwheat create a lifelong home for this delightful insect.
Eventually, this buckwheat species transitions into a captivating red rust color, a favorite spot for hibernating Behr’s metalmark caterpillars. When the plant finally sheds its dried flowers and a significant portion of its small blade-like leaves each dry season, this plant material becomes a natural mulch. If you’re looking to attract Behr’s metalmark to your garden, consider planting a couple of California buckwheat specimens. It might just become their new hangout spot.
Additional Animals
Acmon Blue Butterfly, Icaricia acmon
The Acmon Blue loves the sweet nectar of California buckwheat but will feed on a variety of buckwheats and other native plants as an adult and larvae.
Native Bees, Andrena sp.
California buckwheat is a great source of food for andrena ‘miner’ bees during the hot and dry months. Andrenas are native solitary bees who dig underground nests.
Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis
For the common western fence lizard, California buckwheat provides a dense, but navigable tangle of foliage to escape the sun’s rays, and to hide from lurking predators.
