Category Archives: bugs

  When I was a child, I remember throwing handfuls of sand at these so as to down them. I now consider the Shadow Darner (this is a male) to be one of the great delights of the late summer. … Continue reading →

  As with the dragonfly emergence, reported earlier, mayflies shed their exoskeleton in late July and early August and take to the air. The arrival of the mayflies makes for happy fish, bats, and birds. 

  While other dragonfly species have been hunting and mating for some time, the Pale Snaketail is just emerging. Usually emergence takes place in the morning. The exuvia, the discarded larval skin, is seen beside the dragonfly. The white thread, to the … Continue reading →

  Wildfire: I have been a tad distracted of late by a threatening wildfire. The danger is declining, but has not passed. Skimmers are a family of dragonflies for which much of the identification involves counting spots. But, there seems … Continue reading →

  Much has appeared in the press in the last few years about the plight of bees. Usually the press makes no distinction between the Honey Bee (an invasive species) and the many native pollinators, such as bumble bees.  The … Continue reading →

  If a butterfly takes to the air, would it not be butterflying? Well, that is my semantic position and I am sticking to it. Especially, as I am seeking to do a better job of taking pictures of small flyers in the … Continue reading →