Ambush bug (Phymata) on Queen Anne's Lace
A very nicely detailed shot of this gnarly insect by Barry. This is THE time to find these odd looking bugs, as they are abundant now and will be for the next month or more, lurking in flowers waiting for unsuspecting prey!
Bumblebee (Bombus)
Bumblebees are doing well at the garden and can be found nectaring on all sorts of plants. Barry took this photo today at the BYG.
Mallard and young
The mallard youngster is growing apace and seems to be thriving. Thank goodness. Barry took this photo today at the pond.
20-JUL-2011
American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
An exciting discovery is this American Snout butterfly which Diane photographed in the BYG. She said it was particularly attracted to the Thyme. This species was first found in 2008 at the FWG, and again by several observers in 2010 and now this year, 2011. Last week I reported that I had seen one fly by but could not relocate it. Diane also said she thought she had two earlier in the week. Their presence was confirmed today when she found two!
17-JUL-2011
Banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
Banded hairstreaks seem to pretty common at the moment, including at the FWG, where Diane photographed this one in the BYG.
20-JUL-2011
Planthopper ( Metcalfa pruinosa)
These tiny planthoppers, about 2-4mm in length, are common but often overlooked because of their size. However, Diane got a terrific photo of this one along the Bill HOlland trail.
13-JUL-2011
Cherry Dagger Moth caterpillar (Acronicta hasta), #9229
Diane found this stunning caterpillar at FWG today on a cherry tree (what else, given its name!)
10-JUL-2010
Flea beetle (Disonycha)
A very pretty member of the subfamily Galerucinae, the leaf skeletonizing beetles
12-JUL-2011
Hover fly, Possibly Criorhina sp., a bumblebee mimic
These flies are superb bumblebee mimics, and even buzz and fly like a Bombus sp.
12-JUL-2011
Dogwood spittlebug (Clastoptera proteus)
There were quite a few of these prettily patterned and tiny spittlebugs on, where else, but dogwoods!
12-JUL-2011
Sweat bee on yarrow
This pretty metallic green sweat bee was photographed by Barry on yarrow in the BYG.
12-JUL-2011
Mallards
Barry caught this pretty shot of the female mallard with youngster in tow, swimming gently across the pond. It is such a pleasure to see these two and I hope the duckling survives to adulthood.