Welcome to Chris and Mary.
"It erupted into existence sometime between 56,000 and 62,000 years ago. Capulin conical form rises over 1,300 feet above the plains to 8,182' above the sea level. The cone consists chiefly of loose cinders (one found Steve's eye), ash, and other rock debris formed by gaseous lava that cooled quickly. The volcano's symmetry was preserved because subsequent lava flows did not come from the main crater, but from the boca (Spanish for mouth), located at the Western base of the cone. From the highest point on the crater rim trail on a clear day, visitors can see formations in Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Some claim to see Kansas, but since there are no high points in western Kansas (Steve says there are some high points in Kansas - he's not sure where), it's hard to tell. The last formation in New Mexico to the east, Rabbit Ear Mountain, is visible on clear days and anything beyond it is Texas."
The main reason for revisiting Capulin was to see the ladybugs. From the Monument's web site -
Convergent Ladybug Beetle(Hippodamia convergens)- this beetle gets its name from the converging white lines on its thorax. They usually have 13 black dots on an orange elytra or shell.
Each summer at Capulin Volcano a new generation of ladybugs participates in a passive, or wind-carried, migration and takes up residence at the highest points of the volcano. After feeding all summer, they hibernate through the winter on the volcano. Surviving beetles then catch a warm current off the volcano in February to the south to reproduce. Since the wind carries the ladybug in its migration, it has a hard time controlling its destination and may go to aphid-infested fields near the volcano or maybe to aphid-rich wheat fields in Texas.
During a lifespan of a few months, the females lay up to 500 eggs on leaves and twigs. The eggs hatch and the larvae engorge themselves on the aphids. After the larvae clear the area of aphids, they pupate. Since the larvae usually clean the area of their favorite food, aphids, the adults migrate back to Capulin Volcano to await the opportunity when they too can go back to these aphid-rich areas and lay their eggs.
Each summer at Capulin Volcano a new generation of ladybugs participates in a passive, or wind-carried, migration and takes up residence at the highest points of the volcano. After feeding all summer, they hibernate through the winter on the volcano. Surviving beetles then catch a warm current off the volcano in February to the south to reproduce. Since the wind carries the ladybug in its migration, it has a hard time controlling its destination and may go to aphid-infested fields near the volcano or maybe to aphid-rich wheat fields in Texas.
During a lifespan of a few months, the females lay up to 500 eggs on leaves and twigs. The eggs hatch and the larvae engorge themselves on the aphids. After the larvae clear the area of aphids, they pupate. Since the larvae usually clean the area of their favorite food, aphids, the adults migrate back to Capulin Volcano to await the opportunity when they too can go back to these aphid-rich areas and lay their eggs.
We had seen them many years ago on a motorcycle trip with friends from St. Louis. Donna was so impressed; she wanted to see them again. This is, afterall, a trip to "smell the roses" or "see the ladybugs." We succeeded. See the photos for a few examples.
We changed our itinerary to Amarillo so we could do laundry. We're staying at the Overnite RV Park. We've stayed here before and now note that things have changed a little. Upkeep is lagging.
Tomorrow, we know not where. We have yet to find an acceptable campground in Oklahoma on our "Blue Highways" route.
Distance: 237 miles
Travel Time: 4 hrs 37 min
MPG: 18.1 (it was really windy)
Fuel: $38.81 ($2.60/gal)
Camping: $27
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