Cirsium neomexicanum

More than just a pretty flower, thistles are great pollen, nectar and food sources for insects and other wildlife such as this tiny plant bug seen here. If you see any thistles while out and about, it sometimes pays off to make note of its location and check back every now and then for interesting insects like swallowtail butterflies, hummingirds, hawk moths and a variety of interesting bees.