Garden Orbweaver (Argiope aurantia)
This looks like a Garden Orbweaver (Argiope aurantia) spider, and you can make it’s appearance into whatever you think it looks like! Eyes…a skull? We will post some more Halloween and October themed sightings throughout the month, while emphasizing they aren’t all scary or creepy, and plenty of the fall foliage as our environment explodes in exquisiteness. What a time to be outdoors!
Read MoreMonarch on Cosmos
I have taken so many photos of Monarch butterflies this year, but this very fresh and bold Monarch nectaring on a cosmos flower was a sensational contrast of colors on a cool September morning. I really am obsessed with them, and I’ll miss them as the last depart the region in several weeks. Here is hoping that winter population counts are strong this year. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarch Butterfly Release
I raised a couple of Monarch caterpillars this August, something I had not done since I was a child. I collected them and ended up feeding them from my own supply of swamp milkweed leaves that went otherwise unused. While many pollinators visited to enjoy the nectar of the flowers, I did not note any Monarchs in the yard or find any eggs. A couple weeks ago I noticed each chrysalis was turning black not far apart from one another, and by late that morning they’d emerged. I released them onto my coneflowers after their wings dried, and one of the two females provided me a chance to...
Read MoreRobber Fly
This is one of those “Man, I wish I got a better look or a better photo,” photos as a Robber Fly had captured lepidoptera prey. It was very cautious, and I lost it as it flew off right after this. What a predator! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWild Indigo Duskywing
The Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) butterfly has a subtle iridescence to it if you can get it in the right angle against the sunlight. This is not the most spectacular insect, no – but it looks a great deal more colorful and bold here instead of being a brown, dull triangle in the shade or via a more overhead view.
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