The weather took a sharp turn toward summer this week, which means insects are out in abundance. I got some decent shots of Honeysuckle Sawflies (see one above). They are a brilliant coppery-gold color and I think the club-ended antennae are adorable. The eyes, according to Sawfly GenUS, are distinctive in the way they diverge toward the mouth. This one looks a little cross-eyed because of the way the light reflects off its splayed eyes.
I recently traveled to Florida again, for a family gathering. At a nature preserve near where we were staying, dozens of these bright, striped caterpillars were criss-crossing the sandy paths… moving quite fast at times, actually. They are the larvae of Echo Moths, and the adults are beautiful in their own way. Here’s a link, in case you’re interested.
This pretty moth was sitting on the window one morning. If iNaturalist is correct, its name, Litter Moth, is less pretty. I like the purple highlights, which only stood out upon magnification.
Although we’re retuning to gray skies in the Pacific Northwest for the next week or more, the temperatures should stay warm enough for insect activity. I hope to have more to share soon.
Cheers!
Ticklehead 