The beautiful Mariposa Lilly (probably Calochortus luteus) is plentiful on Prune Ridge, often seen in the May time period. This specimen was photographed by Eric Larson, 2005.
Mariposa Lilies belong to the genus Calochortus, and form a subgroup with upright, open flowers. Like other members of the lily family, calochortuses have three petals and three sepals, but the sepals are much smaller than the petals, in contrast to lilies, fritillaries, and fawn lilies. The Yellow Mariposa is a California native and is endemic to California but widespread across the state. There are 58 species in California, many of them rare and limited in distribution. For instance, the Tiburon Mariposa is only found on the Tiburon peninsula. (Cal Flora data) The members of the genus that have dependant flowers are the globe lillies.
These two beauties were photographed May 30, 2009, along Poverty Ridge, near the parking lot. (Nikon 9700)
Note that they each have insects in them. There were many flowers with native bees and with butterflies.
Apparently, the mariposa lillies are an important nectar source for many insects.
This hairstreak was kind enough to hold still for a few seconds and allow a closeup shot. (Nikon 9700)