06-SEP-2012
Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa)
Always an intriguing insect! These European mantids are common right now, and it seems that 2012 has been a good year for them, as they are being seen by many people all over the area. Some years they are barely found, others, such as this one, they are abundant. One of my favourite insects. Barry photographed this on a milkweed leaf.
06-SEP-2012
Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa)
A head-on view of a praying mantis in this great shot by Barry.
06-SEP-2012
Leafy shelter
Barry found and photographed one of the many leafy shelters made most often by Torticid moths. However, other lepidoptera will also make such shelters, so it is difficult to say which creature made this. I've sometimes seen stinkbugs and jumping spiders using these shelters, usurping them!
06-SEP-2012
Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) on common milkweed
These brightly coloured and very attractive aphids begin appearing in mid-summer, attacking mostly milkweed plants, although sometimes found on other plants too. They attract predators such as the larvae of hover flies, lady beetles, and lacewings. Tiny jumping spiders will also take aphids as prey. In the meantime, the aphids often have a protective coterie of ants who try to fight off intruders. The ants are not being altruistic, but rather defending their "herd" of honeydew producers!
Aphids (Uroleucon sp.)
A gorgeous golden-infused image by Barry, showing typical postures of these vividly red aphids. They are most often seen clustered along plant stems this way, whereas the oleander aphids (next photo), are usually clustered tightly together on leaves and stems.