It is a long-jawed orb weaver and you can see the large chelicerae in this photo. They have long, slender abdomens as well. They make orb webs but I didn’t see its web. They catch prey using the web in the traditional sense but they also capture flies and other insects without the aid of a web.
The walk along the river was really nice. Spice bushes are always good places to search for insects and it smell so nice as I turn over leaves.
To my surprise I found this fun looking colorful caterpillar out in the open. It is a Spicebush caterpillar (Papilio troilus) pretending to look like a snake. I think Disney should make a movie about caterpillars. This one could be one of the main characters. When it is in the early stages of growth it looks like bird poop so there could be a lot of fun teasing about that in the movie.
I have this whole cast of caterpillar characters in my head and maybe later this winter I will do a blog featuring them. For now I just want to show this one.
Here is a photo of two adults taken at an earlier time.
When I turned around to go back to my car I spotted a Praying Mantis eating a couple of bees.
Hello, do you want to join me? I have two bees.
Most of the flowers were gone and I didn’t see any mushrooms but these three insects were great finds on such a beautiful day.
Be sure to visit Watery Wednesday at http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/
5 comments:
You just find the coolest stuff, squirrel! I love to go walking along with you, enjoying your clear and beautiful photos.
You know I feel the same way about what you find. One of these days I'm going to drive up your way. In the mean time I love to go on these virtural walks together. Till next time.
what amazing pictures!! i saw a long jawed orb weaver on my porch a while back...i have no idea how i spotted him, he was stretched out on a wind chime string.
the spice bush caterpillar is beautiful!!! look at that face!! i love it!! your close-ups are fantastic. thanks for the stroll!
I have never seen such beautiful caterpillar it looks like a toy. And the face does looks like cartoon character already. I bet this caterpillar will go places in hollywood ^_^
Watery Wednesday
Your bug pictures are amazing! Great shots, Laura, Cottage and Broome
Post a Comment