Tag: insect

Mantid Monday

On By Mike and Christy21 Comments

We typically see only a few Preying Mantis each summer either while out hiking or in our garden. Last week, while out on a hike, we saw numerous Mantids and each one matched the specific grasses they resided in. The Mantid above was in grasses that were a mix of green and brown and the Mantid was green and brown.

While the Mantid above resided in fresh green grass.

This Mantids above were right at home in a field of brown.

We even got a look at one Mantid hanging upside down.

Photographed in Denver, CO

Thread Waisted Wasp

On By Mike and Christy8 Comments

I watched this Thread Waisted Wasp (Ammophilia Proceia) buzzing around in the Golden Rod. That Thin connection between the thorax and the abdomen is really  something to wonder over. Does it allow the abdomen to move freely and lay eggs or perhaps sting others independent of the rest of the body?

 

 

Need to get an Entomology book and brush up on the fundamentals.

Denver, CO.

Perfectly Perched

On By Mike and Christy12 Comments

Perched at the edge of a leaf and taking a break from their seemingly endless flight. Perhaps deciding which flower to visit next or just taking in the wonderful view. The wildflowers were thick along this on this stretch of trail so the choices were many for a butterfly that day.

Crested Butte, CO.

Just me

On By Mike and Christy14 Comments

 I stumbled upon this little moth taking a break on a yarrow plant while out in the garden on afternoon. This little moth was content  and stayed put even as I moved in to get a nice close look. As I pulled out the camera to take this photo it sure felt like this little moth was looking back at me saying “hey it’s just me… a little moth”.

If anyone out there has the skills to identify this little guy please chime in as “Little Moth” although descriptive could surely be expanded upon.

Have a great weekend.

Police Car Moth

On By Mike and Christy24 Comments

Ranchmans_tiger_moth_1

Ranchmans_tiger_moth_2

Thanks to the help of 1nmbirder for assistance in correctly identifying this moth. WordPress readers are the best. Always ready to help in identifying and teaching about all the things we run across outside.

At first I thought it was a Ranchman’s Tiger Moth but it does appear to be a Police Car Moth. We came across these guys while they were feeding on wild aster and sunflowers high up on the trail in Central Colorado.

Mosquito Netting

On By Mike and Christy14 Comments

While out on a hike we ran across a couple of trees in which a spider had put up between 3-7 of these wonderful mosquito nets and each was loaded with bugs. We never were able to see the owner of these webs but it sure looks like they will be eating well for the rest of the summer. Any yes, the mosquitos were bad out there that day.