Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) and Non-biting Midge (Family: Chironomidae). Ulster County, New York, USA.

A beautiful ephemeral bloom, along with a Dipteran species taking advantage of the pollen. Apparently they smell bad, hence the alternative common name of "stinking Benjamin" - but the stench helps to attract pollinators. Although my nose is of significant proportions, I cannot detect any offensive odors.

Every spring, there is a short window to catch our diverse, native wildflowers. Luckily, opportunities are in abundance after several days of high temps and plenty of sunshine. Trillium are one of the most fun to find, with their vibrant red blooms often shying away unless they are in direct sunlight.

I've been watching a special spot that's home to an unopened blossom, anxiously checking each day to see if the pod projecting from the center of the namesake three leaves (well, partially, as the bloom and pod also have three sections) has opened.

It hasn't yet. But I'm certain that the flies will appreciate when it does.

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