Thistles are Good For...

Thistles are thought of a noxious weeds but their flowers a much-loved by insects, large and small.  Their flowers are one of my favorite place to find large showy insects.  I went through my favorite insect pictures and came up with these examples.

Bumblebees are a fan of thistles and aren't a bit subtle in their approach to the flowers.  Unlike the delicate butterflies, they plop on top to work for the nectar.

This is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail sucking nectar.   A much smaller insect can be seen, sharing the flower.

TThis is a Giant Swallowtail.  You will note that this is a relatively old specimin based on the bits of wing missing.  As a relatively old person, I feel that senior butterflies who have lived awhile should be given their due.

This is a Humingbird Moth that really looks like a humingbird.   I've only seen one of these although this one hung around for some minutes and allowed me to get reasonably close.

When I'm hunting butterflies these days, thistles are one of the first plants I check.  I found these Great Spangled Fritillaries at my orchard just a few days ago.   We may view thistles as a disagreeable prickley weed but butterflies seem to prefer them over most other flowers.