02-SEP-2009
Garden cross spider (Araneus diadematus)
Probably one of the most common spiders around at the moment. You'll often find three or four of them very close together, a little "colony" of orb weavers :-)
02-SEP-2009
Blowfly (Lucilia sp.)
Another shot telling us fall is just about here!
1-SEPT-2009
Treehopper nymphs (Publilia concava)
In late spring the Publilia treehoppers appear, tended by ants. At this time of year, their spiny nymphs can be seen, also jealously guarded by ants. Why? Because the ants just adore the honeydew droplets that the treehoppers, adults and nymphs, secrete. They prod the hoppers to get them to produce this sugary delight. In return, the ants protect the treehoppers. When I took these photos, the ants swarmed over my hands and camera. They guard their honeydew supply seriously!
1-SEPT-2009
Rose-breasted grosbeak, juvenile, on black elderberry
Birds love this juicy black fruit, and as you can see, this one's bill is stained from the juice.
1-SEPT-2009
Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
This non-native, weakly twining vine, produces beautiful purple flowers with yellow hearts, and in late summer, this gorgeous red fruit. It is a member of the potato family and as such, these berries are toxic if eaten in sufficient quantities.