Insects Galore!

Rant

2012-02-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

I was just notified by blogger that one of my entries was reported to the DMCA (who are they?) for "copyright infringement" or something of the sort.

Note that this entry I believe is from 2007-2008? Not too sure but I don't care. What I do care about is that someone is digging through old entries of mine and "reporting" them? No. I will not tolerate this. I've already had a rant on SOPA and PIPA and freedom of speech and all the other things recently involving the internet.

I will not do so again. To the people who own any of the photos I come across on my research binges on Google and other sites:

If you want your photos linked to or removed please say so via comments and I will happily do as you wish. Instead of acting like cowards and running to the DMCA or whoever tell it to me please as I would like to hear these types of things from you guys personally and not an "automated message".

Something that's also VERY important. I have saved 100's if not 1000's of insect & spider photos from around the world for years specifically for this blog and personal reference. It's virtually impossible for me to remember where I got every single one. I'll link back when I can but most often I cannot since I've had them stored up for months and years (for older ones).

If any of these photos belong to you and you either want them linked or removed please leave me a comment with said link and whatever else as it will be easier on everyone that way. The purpose of this blog (which is my utter pride and joy) is to share my passion with anyone who's interested with my insecty creepy crawly friends.

It's meant to be educational and fun. And I've learned loads from doing this and I hope to anyone who reads this that you have too. I apologize if I've offended anyone as that was and is NEVER my intentions.

I hope that I have cleared things up better. Must get some rest now as it's late.

P.S. To Blogger (love you guys) I never got that email with the details of said "complaint". I would appreciate it if it could be resent.

I would like to read it. Thank you!

P.P.S The above rant also applies to quoted passages from sites (mostly Wikipedia). I have gotten better with linking/crediting/mentioning where the passages have come from. I will continue to work harder to remember to do all of the above whenever necessary.

It's hard though as lately for unknown reasons I'm very forgetful with somethings.......I will try my hardest though. Reminders (again via COMMENTS) are appreciated.

Once again Thank you! =)

Obsessed?

2012-02-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Eueides isabella? Butterfly Exhibit 12-24-11

"I do confess that I must stress that lepidoptera is the best"

- Me

↑ Just popped into my head for no reason. But yes they are "the best" as are all my little friends are. Lepidoptera just happens to be one my most favorites.

I must thank that wonderful blessed exhibit as it's responsible for making me fall head over heels in love with them with such an intensity it's shocking. I've always loved them. But I guess now that I'm older I appreciate all of my "childhood" memories and experiences with them even more and treasure all the new ones I've experienced.

Along with that is the way I feel now being around them or thinking of them........it's so peaceful warm calming and happy. Not to mention serious bouts of nostalgia which I love.

This is normal yes? My friends don't exactly understand it all. But they've said that I'm "Obsessed with butterflies now aren't you?" I didn't understand exactly what they meant being that I was "obsessed" with insects in general all my life but thinking back now........Yes ^^;;;

They've occupied the "insect chamber" of my brain ever since the opening of said exhibit. I cannot wait till Spring fashion comes in because they'll be invading my clothes, jewelry and anything else I can find them on.

Oh yes and they've pretty much taken over this blog too. And I'm still not done with the photos from the museum! 0_0

Fireflies

2012-02-01T03:22:00.000-08:00

Photinus pyralis My precious babies how I miss you so.........♥ Photo from here as copyright infringement is never ever intended.
4 years.......It's been 4 years since I've last seen one of my glowing friends. I was pondering why this was when I did some research and discovered this and it makes me want to slap the human race. Entirely.

When you build your homes on your precious landscapes and pastures at least think. "Will I be hurting any wildlife?" At least do your part to ensure that you'll help in preserving Nature's precious creatures.

Now I live in the city but I've seen these a plenty in the lobby, on my terrace and making their way into my house scaring the crap out of my mom every time. :P The last one I saw was in 2008 and I want them back. I remember catching these in mid air and letting the walk around my hand and watching them fly off again.

Lighting up the grass outside with their yellow-green hues. Bringing bouts of joy every time I saw one. While I can't do much I can promise I'll be keeping my eyes out for them this year. Any I see I'll take a picture/video of them.

I'll be keeping track of any I find. I'm hoping my park will have some. I'll also check Central park as I think if any are still around here they'll be in there. =)

As they say in Korea 개똥벌레 화이팅!

The extremely long-tongued Neotropical butterfly Eurybia lycisca (Riodinidae): Proboscis morphology and flower handling

2012-01-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

*Drools* It's so pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Someone needs to slap me right now. This looks like my "Mystery Satyrid" only with more eye spots that are towards the edges of the hindwings and they're tan colored.

Holy shit.

But that's not the only reason I'm blogging these nooooo. These butterflies have extremely long proboscis (as you can see in the photo if you look hard enough). I found out about these by accident researching various other Riodinidae.

I love them. They're fascinating beings. There's a wealth of info here about them and their insanely long proboscis and how they handle flowers. I will say no more as I don't want to spoil anything. ^_~

Ohhhhhh yes these are definitely going on my faves list. Ohhhh Cyren have you heard of these?!

Mystery Dream Satyrid

2012-01-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Is very much aware of how childish this is. ^^;; I'm out of practice. I remember doing a rather nice "outline" of a Pieris rapae but I have no clue on where I put that. *Sigh*

Lepidopteran epicness has ensued once again.......in the form of dreams. Very vivid life like dreams. I had dreamt of observing the most beautiful Satyrid somewhere sitting on a leaf and somehow coming up with a name for it and that it began with a 'D' (Scientific or Common).

My dreams are extremely vivid, especially when it comes to my little friends. And when it comes to Lepidoptera........sometimes (this time and one other) I have to wonder if I'm just dreaming or is it something more? So with this beautiful specimen in mind all day I went to go see if I could find anything that resembled my "Mystery Satyrid".

The closest so far I have come to is Chloreuptychia arnaca

Not exact as it's missing eyespots that I just realized I forgot to draw in and the one in my dream the color was more tan-brown like sand. And the wings were rounded like in your "typical ringlet butterfly".

Does anything like this exists? I get the really strong feeling that it kinda does but I have yet to find anything complete resembling it.

I'll draw more pictures. *^^* Lord knows I need the practice and it's relaxing to do so. =)

Homopteran Dreams

2012-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Dreamt of these bad boys in their adult form. I forget what this one is. Sorries^^;; Must do research again.

The mind is a curious thing........I had dreamt of these in their adult form with their wings and everything. They didn't look any different from the nymphs.....funny thing is I don't know what the adults of this particular leafhopper (whose name is eluding me) even look like!

Will be researching these. Photo I obtained from Wikipedia at some point last year. Remember the family name beginning with a 'T' possibly.....Such mind boggling beautiful creatures no?

Ohhhh my sweet sweet little friends what am I to do with you? ^^♥

Mystery Pyralid Moth

2012-01-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

*Speechless*

Um does anyone know what this one is? I know that Pyralid moths are difficult to identify but this one seems very distinctive to me.....unless they're others that are similar?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Must do research!

Teinopalpus imperialis

2012-01-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

Female Teinopalpus imperialis gillesi (Turlin 1991) Most stunning......*Speechless*

I have always wanted to see live photos of these magnificent butterflies. I had finally come across some during research of various Papilionidae I think I don't really remember and I grabbed some.

IMHO photos of pinned specimens aren't doing these butterflies (or any butterfly) justice at all. It takes away from their beauty a little bit. At least with faded specimens.

Anyway enough of this depressing talk! Something interesting I remember reading about these butterflies is that they're so rare that if one very lucky villager were to catch one he could get enough money to buy a freaking motorbike for it.

Yup. One minute you don't have anything and you see one of these beauties and manage to catch it you're rich. Something that bothers me though is the value these butterflies have.........what happened to make them so rare?

I'll have to look into that some more.

Teinopalpus imperialis gellesi (Male)

Also to note the photos I got from here. Please note that if said parties (who I thank immensely for having such an epic opportunity to capture these butterflies on film) wish me to take these down I will happily do so as I'm not getting sued for "copyright infringement."

I thank everyone who is responsible for such gorgeous photos existing. Keep up the wonderful work. I know this is much to wish for but I would love to see one of these someday.......

*Sigh* One can dream right?

Going On Strike

2012-01-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

Had a long day today but I'm finally posting this at 7:22PM.

If you heard of SOPA and PIPA then you already know why I'm doing this. The Government CAN. NOT. censor the internet. I have never heard of anything as stupid as this in my life. By doing this you're endangering the world. You're taking away freedom of speech and creativity.

You're taking away a form of education. You're depriving kids what they will need to write their essays (books can't tell you everything as wonderful as they are) you're harming millions of business around the world. You're harming yourselves.

This blog of mine which I started back in 2007 is my pride and joy. I have been able to share my love of my multi legged friends with people all over the world, document all of the new species I've learned about and share my experiences with them with you all. Nothing makes me happier. The internet has taught me so much and helped me in so many ways both with my hobbies and my personal affairs.

Taking it away will harm the very lives of every single person on this planet. We use the internet to raise awareness of children in need of food or medical attention, to rally attention to stop bullying (why aren't you, The Government using this energy to stop this? Bullying needs to be put a stop to more then copyright infringement as copyright infringement doesn't leave people dead), for news, emails and chats with friends, a venting place for when you need to pour you heart out when sometimes talking isn't enough.

A place to relax and find some nice humor sites or educational videos. But most importantly freedom of speech. We should be allowed to say, post, vlog, upload, edit, email, IM whatever we want so long as it's not HARMING another person (a.k.a Cyberbullying another thing that should be stopped and yet what is the government doing?).

There are other ways to solve this problem. Censoring the internet IS. NOT. THE. ANSWER. Use you goddamn brains people!! Wake up and realize that there are better ways to solve this problem.

To my Followers:

Regardless of what happens I love you all. Thank you for sticking by me and helping me learn so much more about my little friends. I urge you to sign all petitions you can and CONTACT CONGRESS.

We must fight. We must win. God bless America God bless the internet.

God bless all of you.

DOWN WITH SOPA DOWN WITH PIPA DOWN WITH INJUSTICE AND STUPIDITY!

One of many things you can do to stop this:

http://sopastrike.com/

Chasing Monarchs

2012-01-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Monarch (Danus plexippus) Female 10-06-11

I was supposed to show you these last year but I got sidetracked with other lepidopteran epicness. This gorgeous specimen was observed in my beloved park 2 days before the opening of the butterfly exhibit.....as if it knew.....*Happy sigh*

It also has occurred to me that of all the monarchs I've seen throughout my life time I've never gotten to hold one. 0_0 I came very close to doing so back in 2008 but not exactly. ^^;; I'll have to try and change that this year.

Observations:

It was flying through the baseball field along with Colias philodice (yes I chased them too), Pieris rapae, a very tiny mystery moth, and various feeding dragonflies swarming above. This beauty had come out of nowhere and was too far away at first for me to see what it was but as I got closer it was quite obviously a monarch. *^^*

I then proceeded to try and get pictures of it which at first it was having none of it. Everytime I got close enough to snap a photo or try and pick it up it was off again flying through the fields so graceful yet strong. Eventually I had to stop being "selfish" (I was trying to get it on my hand I think I might've been scaring it a little *^^*) and just try and get at least one picture.

I got 5. ^______^ I figured let me let it calm down and then gently approach it again. I think it was one of the ones that just didn't like being touched?

Idk about anyone else but I'm convinced that butterflies have personalities like we do. Some are shy some are friendly and some like playing tricks on you. ^^ Such delightful creatures. Anyway throughout my chasing this thing through the fields I observed bundles of epicness. Dragonflies, Sulphers, Cabbage whites, and a mystery moth that was very tiny and the color of the sand. *^^*

I wonder what it was doing in that field? For some odd reason after I took the 5th picture my leg had seized up and sorta went numb....dunno why. I've chased plenty of butterflies before and this never happened. So to not risk falling and busting my ass I sat down and took a well needed rest and just watched the dragonflies and all the Pierids flying throughout the field. I felt so peaceful.

By this time the monarch had went on it's merry way. I hope it had a successful journey and laid lots of healthy eggs.

Ohhhhhh I forgot there's this one I observed on 09-12-11:

This one was flying around this cute little Butterfly bush. I must find a way to zoom in on this one so you can see it better. ^^

I've ramble enough. Toodles!

Cattlehearts (Parides sp.)

2012-01-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Parides gundalachianus

Parides ascanius

Been doing research and I found these. Holy shit they're gorgeous!! Parides is very quickly becoming one of my favorite genera within the Papilionidae. Upon my research of these I have also think I figured out at least one of the Parides species at the exhibit.

I think it might be Parides arcus I'll have to confirm this later.

Mystery Butterfly #2 Mechanitis sp.

2012-01-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Ithomiinae

Mechanitis sp.

But which one? My friend Ben had guessed it was Mechanitis menapis. The closest I could come to in that regard was Mechanitis menapis occasiva which is very very similar if not for a few differences in the patterns.

When I sent the photo to Kim Garwood (the women is legend) she told me something very interesting (in general) about ID'ing butterflies in exhibits. She told me that it was hard to do so because in the butterfly farms where these come from they often experiment (for lack of better wording) and get weird hybrids.

So now I'm wondering if this butterfly could also be a hybrid between 2 somethings (Mechanitis sp. definitely)? My other question is are Mechanitis sexually dimorphic? During research on these I have wondered greatly on this.......

Little fuzzy but the underside of this bad boy. *^^*

Is there anyway to know for sure exactly what this is? Both photos taken at NHM Butterfly Exhibit 10-08-11

Reserved

2012-01-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Reserved

Rant

2012-01-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

Something I've noticed.......

The Lepidoptera have pretty much taken over this blog. Hehehehehe ^^;; I've been brainwashed by them completely. And I didn't think it was possible but I definitely know for sure now that I've fallen in love with them again.

Has anyone else noticed this magnetic pull that they seem to have? I love all my creepy crawly friends for various reasons. The Hymenoptera have such fascinating rich lives it's like a drama and I think I'll be looking into them in more depth this year definitely.

The Cicadas.........you already know how I feel about them. They were epic last year. BEST concert put on by them yet. I'm hoping to see one this year. *Crosses fingers*

The rest of the Homoptera and Hemiptera I adore and wish there were more books on them so I could learn more about them. The Coleoptera are intriguing and there have been lots of new ones popping up lately that I've never seen before. Loving it. Keep it up!

Diptera are fascinating, beautiful, and some I don't mess with (Deerflies/Horseflies pack a WHOLLOP sp?) their life histories are also fascinating and slightly disgusting. ^^;; But they produce some very interesting individuals.

And the Spiders whose presence in my house has not only been EPIC (still don't know where they're all coming from) but beneficial as they've popped up when I needed a little cheering up (see what I mean when I say they somehow know? Thank you God) and I also think might've had a hand in Cimex "disappearing". Will get more into that later.

The Odonata.........*Happy sigh* Beautiful creatures. Love love them and they too have been epic and I look forward to properly spending time with them this year hopefully IDing even more with the help of epic field guides *^^*

And the Othoptera they're adorable and their songs are delightful and I enjoy listening to them immensely. I hope to see more of Microcentrum rhombifolium and other species that might be hiding. I want diversity!!

And all the rest......can't list them all there's too many. ^^

But the Lepidoptera........they have something that's unique about them and extra special to me. Idk what it is but I'm thankful for it because they make me feel peaceful, happy, nostalgically warm and fuzzy and they're fascinating as hell and just as "drama" like as the Hymenopterans with their lives. They just do it gracefully. It's like you can't get mad at Notocrypta curvifasciata for devouring said Hymenopterans.......in it's adult form!!!

They're amazing.......Idk how else to describe it. And they have their own Anthem too that's a part of my childhood and oozes warm happy memories for me with raising Painted Ladies and catching Tiger Swallowtails at camp........*happy sigh*

I'll post said anthem later it's from A Bug's Life soundtrack. *^^* Once again I've rambled enough. But does anyone know what I'm talking about when I say there's something about Lepidoptera that just sucks you in? (Pun intended get it? ^^)

God bless my little insecty arachnidy friends. I wuv u ♥

(Buggy) Resolutions

2012-01-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Personal:

1. Complete all personal "affairs".
2. Keep my mouth shut. *^^*
3. Try and relax more
4. Put OCD in its place (corresponds to No.3)

Buggy:

1. Kill all Cimex lectularius. All Mothers & Children, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents & Cousins must be slaughtered and removed from this vicinity.

↑ I haven't seen too many in a looooong time. It's like they vanished! They're still here but very few? What's going on? Major cleaning is in order to help the mysterious force(s) killing them.

2. ACTIAS LUNAAAAAAAAA!
3. As many more visits to that blessed exhibit as possible. RESEARCH LIBRARY
4. My "Birthday present" That MAGNUM OPUS of a book on my Hymenopteran friends. Save save save $$$$$
5. Bug catching equipment (need new nets!)
6. National Moth Week!!

↑ I really want to try and do this. Don't know how but I'll be recording and ID'ing all the moths I come across this year to the best of my ability.

I'll be doing this with every insect I see actually. I'm gonna try experimenting with them this year to see what's out at different times and hopefully different places. *^^*

Happy New Year Rant

2012-01-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. To start planning for epicness and to also get some very important personal affairs over and done with. And then to hopefully relax properly.

I only managed to somewhat achieve that in "half" last year (Thank you Lepidoptera). I must try harder this year. I hope to be successful.....out with the stress in with the rest!! ^________^ Aaaany waaay...^^;; I'm half way done with achieving my lunas!!

$57.00 more dollars and they're mine!! Why so much you ask? Cause I'm ordering them from Carolina science and I have also buy an enclosure to keep them in to make sure they eclose properly.......then I'll have them flying around my house.

Then there's the shipping and state tax soooo ^^;; It's all worth it though. And there's also nets too. I have to get one before they emerge.......how else will I'll put them back when play time is over? :P

Must go start looking. I'll rant more on my plans later. Toodles!

2011 Buggy Highlights And A Letter to Lepidoptera

2011-12-31T19:49:00.000-08:00

As the last hour of 2011 begins I wanted to look back on the all the epicness that was 2011. And not just "ordinary epicness" I mean stuff that has been unusual:

July 8th 2011:

Pieris rapae mating fest and a appearance by my beloved Painted Ladies

I will never forget this for as long as I live. I thank you and I'll be sure to thank your grandchildren next year too by spoiling them rotten.

July 22nd 2011

Halysidota harrisii Tree Raid!! 5 in one day on one tree. E.P.I.C.!

July 26th 2011

First Lucanus capreolus sighting!! I honestly didn't think I'd ever see any type of stag beetle ever. Thank you!!

July 28th 2011

Account of 3 sightings of Hemaris thysbe!! *Don't remember actual dates....will edit later ^^

August 1st onward

CICADA MANIAAAAAA!!!!!

October 8th 2011

First visit to the NHM Butterfly exhibit I don't need to say any more on how E.P.I.C. this was. ♥

November 5th 2011

Second visit to my precious exhibit......♥

November 8th 2011

The last EPIC bughunt of the year Thank you to all my little friends thank you!!

December 24th 2011

Third visit to my precious.......♥

And earlier in the year (dates are escaping me atm) there were the wasp invasions. Those were thrilling!!

A Letter To Lepidoptera:

To my Fluttering diurnal & nocturnal friends:

You have been exceptional this year. As I sit here writing this while listening to your Anthem I'm extremely thankful for your presence this year. From the Pieris rapae mating fest and my holding Vanessa cardui again after all those years at a time where I needed the most to the mystery moths coming through and Monarchs and Cloudless sulphers popping up in all the strangest places.

To the Eastern Comma mass that came this spring....to the gorgeous black female tiger swallowtail that had me running through the fields trying to get a better look.......to the caterpillars.....Ohhhh the fuzzy and green bundles of adorableness.....to the mysteries of the Celastrina and the Hemaris thysbes and last but not least finally laying my eyes on Actias Luna *Nostalgic warm happy fuzzy sigh* I love you and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You have been wonderful. I look forward to seeing you again next year. I'll be waiting! God bless

10-08-11

THANK YOU!

A Field Guide To The Insects of Morningside Park Part 2

2011-12-30T02:02:00.000-08:00

What I believe to possibly be a female (?) of a Pachydiplax longipennis but I don't recall them having orange stigmata or orange spots on their abdomens (above obviously). Can anyone confirm?

Continued from this entry.

Butterflies & Moths Lepidoptera:

56. 'Leaf Miners' *Various families and or species Larva observed suspending itself from silk from a crabapple tree (Malus sp.) 11-08-11

Flies Diptera

57. Dronefly (Eristalis tenax)
58. Hoverfly (Allograpta sp.) * More then likely more then one species occurs here too. Very difficult to ID to species.....need micro camaras/lenses

Beetles Coleoptera:

59. Red-ish Brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus)
60. Scarites subterraneus *Possibly S. quadriceps or S. vicinus

Spiders

61. Jumping Spider (Phiddipus audax)? * Or something similar?

Miscellaneous:

62. Woodlice (Porcellio spinicornis)
63. Slugs *Will try and ID to species Expect an edit
64. Springtails

Once again the list will change/get updated.

Mystery Danaid Butterfly Danaus vulgaris?

2011-12-29T03:30:00.000-08:00

The spots were light blue obviously. ^^;; Lighting is all wonky on this one. Sorries. ^^;;;

Ok what is this? I've just been reminded that there's a thousand and one butterflies with in Danainae under different genera that are like this. Commonly called "Blue Tigers" "Glassy Wings" etc.

Cyren had suggested this could also be a Blue Glassywing (Danaus vulgaris) after I had thought it was Tirumala limniace but looking now again I don't think so....unless T. limniace is sexually dimorphic as they're photos of similarly patterned specimens listed with that name.

I'm confused. Yet another group of butterflies that needs a freaking identification guide. Any volunteers? Aaah yes you there! Get cracking!! :P

But seriously?! Here's a video of one among Julias (Dryas iula) and other assorted epicness:

Does this help with ID?

Observations:

Quite a few of these. Made me quite happy to see them. One landed on my head. Yes I have pics but I'm shy. ^^;; Maybe later. I had asked which of the Blue Tigers this was and was told "Common Tiger" or something of the sort.

I'm still stumped. Also searching various species (within different genera REMEMBER this for later entries) I have to wonder how the hell do they tell them apart let alone the gender?!! 0_0

Yes I'm very very confused......Help! >_<

Heliconius erato.......Which one?

2011-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Heliconius (Tithonia) terrancina or H. hecale & Heliconius erato.........? *something*

Can anyone tell me which erato this is? It's the blue white and red one (the wings are metallic blue). When I asked the staff had told me it was Heliconius erato. No one knew anything beyond that.

If anyone knows please tell me. I love this one. It's the color of the American flag........me likey! I didn't see too many of these.....I think there was only one.

Will be asking around. Someone. Needs. To. Write. A. Book.!

The staff had suggested (when I complained on the apparent lack of literature on the Heliconiidae) that I should write said book. OMG! I'm flattered. And if the opportunity presents itself I would do it in a heart beat.

Problem is though is that I'm not "authorized" to do such a thing. I mean don't you have to have permits and certain "credentials"? Plus education and said proof of education?

I don't have that. I never went to go make this insanely advance hobby of mine "official" because I wouldn't know where to begin to look around here. But like I said.......if the opportunity came knocking......

곤충학!

2011-12-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

나비목:

네발나비과 Nymphalidae
뱀눈나비과 Satyridae
부전나비과 Lycaenidae
뿔나비과 Libytheidae
팔랑나비과 Hesperiidae
호랑나비과 Papilionidae
흰나비과 Pieridae
표방나비과/표방나비아과 Heliconiidae/Heliconiinae

*Note the suffixes: -dae (과) -nae (아과)

왕나비아과 Danainae
줄나비아과 Limenitidinae
모르포나비아과 Morphinae

FUN! 어떤 재미~~~^^♥

NHM Butterflies: Ulysses/Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses)

2011-12-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

Papilio ulysses.......this one's wings are a lighter shade of blue.....variation or subspecies?

After my last observation of this species (it was dead poor thing) I had hope that I would get to see a live one on one of my next visits. I didn't think it would be the next visit that I got my wish but it was. =)

And let me tell you something. I must stress that pictures DO NOT do these butterflies justice no matter how breathtaking the photo it's 1,000,000,000,000 times better in person to see them. I thank God for such wonderful exhibits containing such epicness.

Observations:

Everyone was chasing after this thing like Moby Dick. I cannot stress to you how happy I was to see this fluttering around (they're FAST) the place as if saying "Look at me look at me!" "Try and catch me suckers! Mwahahahaha!" I had tried getting pictures of it but it was impossible.

This beauty must've had Lepidopteran ADHD because it would not stay still for too long. Any disturbance and it was off fluttering like mad looking gorgeous doing so. It's also a very good hide and go seek player because after a while it "disappeared".

B.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l!

And why in the world does my voice sound higher on camera? >_< Anywho. It had also landed on my hand for a few seconds before it took off again. It's beautiful.......beyond beautiful.

I look forward to going back......♥

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope you all have a great one. Mine was absolutely perfect. It makes me happy to know I brought joy to people I love.

God bless you all. ♥

A Very Lepidoptery Christmas

2011-12-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Tirumala limniace? Need confirmation......similar looking species within different genera.....ouch headache! >_<

I went again today as a Christmas present to myself. *^^* And once again had epic observations of epic specimens. I took tons of photos/videos and I think I may have a possible answer to my mystery Mechanitis butterfly.

I had also tried to go to their research library to do obvious research but they're closed on Sundays. :( Must find out exactly when they're open as no one told me about it being closed on Sunday........WTF?!

And Donna (one of the staff who told me the name of my Memphis butterfly) is in on Mondays I think we all know when my next visit will be.....^^♥ And the Saturniids start coming in in January! *.* So January & March get the most visits then apparently?

I'm dying to lay my eyes on my Actias luna again......♥

New Additions:

1. Autumn Leafwing (Doleschallia bisaltide)
2. Indian Leafwing (Kallima paralekta)
3. Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
4. Magnificent Owl (Caligo atreus)
5. Heliconius (Tithonia) terracina
6. Heliconius erato *New form/hybrid/subspecies
7. Ulysses, Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses) *Landed on me for a few seconds
8. Mechanitis polymnia
9. Cruiser (Vindula dejone)
10. Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace)?
11. Clearwing *Species/Genus unknown

I think there were more but right now I can't remember. ^^;; Observations will be posted later along with some epic videos.

Yay!

Random Photos

2011-12-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

Love the colors. Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) 12-24-11 NHM Butterfly Exhibit

Female Hypolimnas bolina (I think) and Papilio aegus (Female) 10-08-11 NHM Butterfly

Parides sp. 11-05-11Lots of these (different ones) on all 3 visits. I wonder if it's possible to narrow this one down to species? Will ask around.

A faster way for me to share photos. *^^* More will be coming!

Speechless

2011-12-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

"I might leave very soon I might soar through the air weave a golden cocoon hung with silk fine and fair I might leave this behind all this glitter and shine and go far from the star of the show...."

You see this? I'm.......I'm speechless right now. This is the cocoon of Urodus parvula The Bumelia Webworm Moth....This oozes sentimentality right now. I'm getting all warm and fuzzy right now. It's the most gorgeous.....no it's beyond......holy shit I can't think right now. I'm on a Lepidopteran high.

Unfortunately once again nothing is known on the biology of these moths but I will be researching them and Webworms in general (I now understand where their name comes from. I wonder if other species make such gorgeous cocoons?).

For those wondering about the quote at the beginning of the post.....they're lyrics to one of my most favorite songs in the world. It's from "Star of The Show" from the soundtrack to A Bug's Life I'm listening to it right now....It's got my childhood (I'm 19 so technically I'm still a "child" :P) memories of my lepidopteran friends plus the movie all over it.

It makes me feel peaceful and during my research when I stumbled upon the photo I was rendered speechless. That photo practically depicts the entire song (which if you haven't guessed by now is about a moth :P)!

To quote it again:

"Safe and warm I was born in a beige colored coat that I traded for wings built to dazzle and float...."

Sweet Jesus........I'm all Idk how to describe it. Peaceful would be best. God bless you Lepidoptera God bless you.......ɛïɜ

Books! (Lepidoptery Buggy Goodness) ♥

2011-12-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

Marpesia sp. I think.....^^;;

Working on expanding my collection. Amazon has epicness in droves and it shall all be mine! I'm thinking Belated Xmas/Early B-day gifties for sure.

Note that this is just so I can have a more organized (Emma would faint if she saw this ^^;; I'm least organized person in the world :P) view of sorts of what I'm saving up for. Hell even my Amazon wish list is a mess. ^_________^

Just got done making a new one for all my butterfly necklaces (yes I ♥ them so much I want them in my jewelry too). Now on with it!!

Lepidopteran Goodies:

The Butterflies of Costa Rica Philip J. Devries

The Butterflies of Costa Rica and Their Natural History Vol 1: Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae ISBN-10: 0691024030 ISBN-13: 978-0691024035

The Butterflies of Costa Rica and Their Natural History Vol 2: Riodinidae ISBN-10: 0691028907 ISBN-13: 978-0691028903

↑ I could've sworn there was a third one........>_<

Butterflies in General

The Butterflies of the Malay Peninsula A. Steven Corbet, H.M. Pendlebury ISBN-10: 9839681052 ISBN-13: 978-9839681055

The Butterflies of Hong Kong (A Volume in the AP Natural World Series) M.J. Bascombe ISBN-10: 0120802902 ISBN-13: 978-0120802906

Field Guide To The Butterflies of South Africa Steve Woodhall ISBN-10: 1868727246 ISBN-13: 978-1868727247

Living Butterflies of South Africa Vol 1 Stephen F. Henning ISBN-10: 1919766030 ISBN-13: 978-1919766034

↑ Amazon AFAIK doesn't seem to have the second volume. Damn. I'll keep my eyes open obviously.

The Book of Indian Butterflies Isaac Kehimkar ISBN-10: 0195696204 ISBN-13: 978-0195696202

Butterflies of The World: Over 5000 Butterflies in Full Color H.L. Lewis ISBN-10: 0517481650 ISBN-13: 978-0517481653

The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History & Field Guide James A. Scott ISBN-10: 0804712050 ISBN-13: 978-0804712057

↑ Do you know tempted I am to get this right now? Nooo I have to restrain myself. Must. Save. Up. More. Money......

Ok I have to stop listing now.....I'm getting itchy to buy......gotta wait until I have more money saved up only a few more days if my plans come into play.......ooooh damn it I want them nooow!

Toodles!

The Jumping Cockroach: Saltoblattella montistabularis

2011-12-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hell it even look like a cricket/immature grasshopper!

Ladies and Gentleman,

They can run, they can fly, some are pest, and back in prehistoric times they could also jump. Well guess what? They're baaaack! Yes the jumping cockroaches have apparently "resurfaced".........in South Africa to be exact.

They were discovered earlier this year in Capetown, Table Mountain National Park in the grasses with an apparent taste in grasshopper poop among other things. I wonder if they get there super jumping powers from eating grasshopper poop.

This just gets better and better. I love it when they discover new things. Makes me happy. Now on to business. The info! First a video so you can get a lovely image of these things in action:

Female Saltoblattella montistabularis Definitely thinking they're getting something eating that grasshopper poop. ^^ Original Youtube linky: Clicky here!
Said Youtube link also provides tons of info from 2 articles in the description box. There's also:

The Huff Post
National Geographic

They never cease to amaze me insects.......♥ Will be researching these further later. I have posts to fill in!

Nesting Behavior of Abispa ephippium

2011-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

For Azudo, I hope this clears something up.

I had come across the same article I had linked to on this entry which is broken now so I found it again (they must've moved the article at some point) and did a brief read through of it. The article mentions that the entire genus of Abispa (6 species total) is restricted to Australia and New Guinea.

Said article that mentions this is here. The article article also mentions another wasp Pseudabispa paragioides that they:

In morphology, coloration, and size, Pseudabispa wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) closely resemble mason wasps in the genus Abispa, and their distributions overlap. Although these two genera are among the largest solitary wasps in Australia, the biology of Pseudabispa was not previously known. Field observations from near Katherine, Northern Territory, strongly suggest that P. paragioides (Meade-Waldo) females attack and kill female A. ephippium (Fabricius) and usurp their nests, then appropriate cells, mass provision them with caterpillars acquired by theft from still other nests, and close them with mud taken from the host nest.

Taken from here when a brief "Google raid" was done on them for information also. I will do even more research on these (because they're both fascinating as hell) and give both articles a proper read through at a saner time (It's 1:30AM as I type this).

Apparently Pseudabispa paragioides also occurs in Australia and overlaps with A. ephippium. So Azudo it is possible that you also might be seeing P. paragioides. Idk I would need a picture. To quote you:

"So where did you find this info. i,ve been researching these creatures for days now and i can't find much on them. the reason is that these creatures are not supposed to live in southern vistoria yet i have one nesting in my front yard and she 's about 3 inches long. any info would be appreciated"

-Azudo

What makes you think that these (Abispa ephippium) are not "supposed" to occur where you live? Is there a reference that also mentions them not occuring there?

Southern Victoria is in Australia. Nothing I have found mentions them not being there. They just mention both Abispa and Pseudabispa occurring in Australia and that Pseudabispa will overlap with Abispa. So far I have seen nothing mentioning exactly where in Australia these wasp occur.

Will need more info and if possible anything you've found during your three days of research. =)

Pseudabispa paragioides (top) and Abispa ephippium They look so much alike except for coloring and size. Startling that P. paragioides goes only for A. ephippium nests exclusively.....

Photo is from the first article. This is used elsewhere too. Don't blame them. It's impressive. Apparently (according to the first article I linked to) the A. ephippium being attacked by The Evil Twin (as I'm now calling P. paragioides) died shortly after.

Poor baby......=(

Pseudabispa paragioides

Will read about these more in depth later. Must get some rest. I hope that this has helped somewhat. I'll try and see if I can pinpoint exactly where in Australia both of these wasps naturally occur and if they're prone to stray.

Could use more of your in point on this too if you don't mind. =)

Scarites subterraneus

2011-11-14T01:58:00.000-08:00

The very unique defensive posture of Scarites subterraneus Photo from Bugguide.

This took a bloody century to positively ID based on sheer photographic memory. Mind you I had never seen anything like this before that I can remember. It's very distinctive indeed. I had gone back and forth between several genera of ground beetles (Scarites ironically being the first choice but the angle of the photo had given me doubts and led me to search elsewhere) i.e Pasimachus.

Must've searched pretty much all my books on North American Insects until I wanted to pull my hair out. XD But then looking at another photo of Scarites subterraneus in another one of my books I properly decided to search (more like violate) the internet and found more photos thus "securing" my ID on the little bugger...........

.........that is until Bugguide had so kindly came up with yet another species (Scarites quadriceps) that's insanely similar to S. subterraneus that the only way to tell them apart other then by size is to look at the antennomeres for the difference between the 2.......

Are. you. freaking. kidding. me.?

Oohhh hooo it gets better. Just now after a brief perusal of Bugguide's Scarites guide page in general has led me......more like force me to consider it being one of 2 other species: S. quadriceps or S. vicinus because as stated above you can't ID these beetles with the "naked eye" so to speak.

Someone shoot me. However for now I'm sticking with Scarites subterraneus because the other have no info on them at all whatsoever. And I need info to narrow it down. At least I know definitely that S. subterraneus occurs in NY........I live in NY. *^^*

One question though that might help with narrowing down ID. Bugguide seems to be unsure of the season that S. subterraneus occurs in and lists "Summer?" underneath the season they're supposedly seen in.......

I found mine (assuming it's most definitely S. subterraneus) in November on a beautiful fall day that felt like Spring/Summer.

What's going on? Also mine had adopted said defensive posture when I picked it up....I had thought it was dead at first but then regained my common sense back ^^;;;; It was found under a rock surround by tons of leaf litter.

What's going on here? @_@

The Sesiidae Sessiions--Using Pheromones to attract Clearwings

2011-11-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

Yellow-legged Clearwing (Synanthedon vespiformis)

Came across this today. I'm amazed right now. I had no idea you could do this. I wonder if this is doable with other moth species. While I'm not entirely sure that we have any species of Sesiidae over here (Central Park most definitely) I have seen 2 Hemaris thysbe (Sphingidae) this year which shocked me.

I wonder, should they return in larger numbers this coming year (please do so! I ♥ U *^^*) I want to experiment with this. I'm also wondering could I get pheromones of other species? Being that I have no clue what moth species reside in my beloved park I have to really do some thinking here.

Any ideas? All of this Sesiidae research has led to more epic books. See here!

Pieridae Wonders: Blue Albatross (Appias celestina)

2011-11-12T04:06:00.000-08:00

Blue Albatross (Appias celestina) Previously Pieris celestina Boisduval 1832 *Is wondering about the 'Catophaga' in parentheses* Perhaps another taxonomic change had taken place somewhere?

These are delightful! Can't seem to find any live photos. From the few that showed up from preserved specimens I want a live photo. I mean how many blue members of Pieridae do you hear about everyday (yes there are others)?

Exactly none. It's "unheard" of. But you see I should've at least expected it being that I know of the Jezebels and their insane hindwing patterns and the other insanely colored Pieridae (will get into just how insane another time......soon). I should've expected to come across blue ones.....at least in part.

But nope. *^^* Love it when that happens. This is from my research. And there's also this. Again I want a freaking LIVE photo of one. I want to see them in their prime.

Aaaah someday hopefully someone will capture one.

♥More Butterflies♥

2011-11-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

Various Morphos. I wonder if Morpho polyphemus luna is in here? I'll get a good look when I go back. *^^*

I'm forever grateful for this place. As you might've noticed I've been on a Lepidopteran Junkie High. It started when I first walked in on opening day (the 8th of October) and has been continuous on and off ever since.

Throughout all of this. I've fallen in love with lepidoptera "again". I've always loved them but this year.......they've been there for me in various ways when I needed them the most. They have been epic this year and I thank The Creator for them immensely.

God bless you Lepidoptera.......♥ I hope that next year will be filled, invaded, "contaminated", infested, and taken over by your breathtaking presence. It's already proving it's potential with National Moth Week and the knowledge of "Secret" Butterfly Gardens in Central Park.

Good Lord I can't wait! You shall hear even more from me as I'm researching and learning more and I still have more photos to show you. 0_0 Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Mystery Butterfly #1

2011-11-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Heliconiidae?

This is all I can guess. I have no idea what this is. This was one of the newly released ones.

Simply gorgeous.

Little fuzzy. *^^* If anyone knows what this is let me know. Taken at the NHM Butterfly Exhibit 11-05-2011.

NHM Butterflies: The Great Mormon (Papilio memnon)

2011-11-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

Male Great Mormon (Papilio memnon) along with a mystery butterfly that I had not noticed until after I uploaded the photo. ^^;; Can you see it?

Yet another insanely sexually dimorphic Swallowtail. Smh......The females have numerous forms, with and without tails and mimic other poisonous Swallowtails. Someone needs to write a book on these too. All of them. Thing is there are books on Swallowtails and I'll be buying them ASAP after I get some other books out of the way......but there needs to be one solely on the sexually dimorphic Papilionidae.

They need to have like an identification guide or something for all the different forms the females of various species take, what they mimic, and how to tell the difference.

Is there anything like this already out there? Names and Authors please if so.

Now on to business!

Idk why this came out so dark.....>_< Male

Great Mormon (Papilio memnon):

Observations:

TONS of males flying and perching around this one plant (see first photo) looking stunning. I now wonder why this was so? Was this just something that happened because of being "enclosed" (it's a big place so excuse my lack of proper words) in an area or is this a natural male behavior of some sort like puddling?

The last one I remember seeing & photographing is the one that was perched on one of the feeders looking absolutely stunning. Again photos DO NOT do any of these justice as they're details that cameras sometimes don't capture unfortunately.

One day I'll look into micro cameras should I ever get the money to do so. Lottery tickets perhaps? >:)

For this there will be a part 2 since I've made some very interesting discoveries!

Out With a Bang + Crittercams!

2011-11-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Since today was absolutely gorgeous out I went to my beloved park and was greatly rewarded with an epic bughunt. I saw sooo many of my little friends it was shocking.

I simply am in awe. I got what I'm calling crittercams. Lookie:

Dronefly (Eristalis tenax) A new one to add to the ever growing list (expect a part 2 on that) of buggaboos in that epic park of mine. =)

Along with that gorgeous fly I saw these:

1 Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) Oh. My. God. *Speechless*
Honeybees, More Droneflies, a mix?
Earthworms
1 Mystery green "worm" RESEARCH!
Aphids (1 black aphid) in their maiden flights
1 slug
1 queen red ant *Held it and attempted to get a video but it was waayy to blurry
1 millipede
1 Scarites subterraneus * Took a bloody century to nail an ID on this one. More later
1 Springtail *first thought it was a proturan or a dipluran but I'm pretty sure now it's a Springtail of some sort
Woodlice! (Porcellio spinicornus)

Woodlice (Porcellio spinicornus) There were tons of these. When I lifted the rock they had all more or less scattered like roaches. Hilarious. ^^

Today was a masterpiece. It felt like spring......♥ It was like they were all saying bye for the year or something. So sweet. They were out much later this year. You have no idea how grateful I am for that. Butterflies and other assorted creepy crawlies in November?!

Congratulations you've set a record. Let's see if you can top it next year!! I love you! ♥

NHM Butterflies: Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima)

2011-11-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima) Sorry for the fuzziness. *^^*

Such beauties. Remind me of the Admirals (Limenitis sp.). I know nothing on these so further research later will have to take place. But that's for later. ^^

These were identified as "Black Peacocks" I wonder where that name came from because Googling with that name came up with nothing. I had to use the scientific name. Smh.....

This was one of the newly released ones. He/She headed straight for my jacket more or less. How sweet! I guess it liked the color? I don't blame you it' s a nice shade of green indeed. *^^*

Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima):

Observations:

The first one in the first photo was perched on some flowers and I managed to get 2 pictures and get an ID as I didn't know what it was at the time only that I've seen pictures before. *^^* The one on my jacket was one of many butterflies being released and there were several of them in the mix. One head straight for my jacket. =)

I managed to get videos of the butterflies (in general) being released now I just have to figure out how to post them since Youtube is not an option (site's not working for me Idk why).

I'll get back to you on that one. More entries to be worked on!!

NHM Butterflies: Green Banded Swallowtail (Papilio phorcas)

2011-11-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

Green Banded Swallowtail (Papilio phorcas) This was the only photo I could get. *^^* I wanted one with the wings open but it was being stubborn. XD

Gorgeous gorgeous species. While I was doing my research on these I've "learned" that this may or may not be another sexually dimorphic species (one site say "yes" and has pictures of the supposed female and the other says "no") and that it's related to Papilio dardanus (Wikipedia).

There are also numerous subspecies too. They're gorgeous swallowtails.

What the upperside looks like. Photo obtained while Googling. Supposedly this is the male. I still have to figure this out. But in the mean time....

Observations:

Mine was over by some of the feeders flying around and looking stunning. It was also over flying under the heater lights (*Note this is not the only butterfly to do this either)! At this point it was acting more like a moth then a butterfly. I wanted to get a video but that was impossible. ^^;; too fast and it was everywhere. ^____^

It had landed on my hand for a few epic seconds as if to say "Hello to you too" and then proceeded to go only God knows where. Was mistaken for Papilio ulysses by the staff at first. ^^.. How cute! Nooo. P. ulysses is much larger. About the size of P. glaucus....but I think larger then that too as the one I observed was big.*^^*

Unfortunately the one I observed was no longer in the physical realm but it was beautiful nonetheless. I do hope to see one someday though. That's another story for another entry. *^^*

Upon my research of these butterflies I have found things about them and Papilionidae in general that's making me fall in love with them. ♥

Linkies:

Butterfly Corner *This is the one where it says there's no sexual differences between males and females
Nyungwe Lepidoptera Diversity Project *Supposedly has a picture of a female. Looks nothing like the male

I'd like to know what the hell's going on here with this? The Wikipedia article used the same photo of the supposed female too but mentions nothing on them being sexually dimorphic. Only mentions range and subspecies.

I'd like to know where the first site got the info that there aren't any sexual differences......

Will be asking around about this.

NHM Butterfly Exhibit Expedition #2

2011-11-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ohhhhh my God they had Graphium weiskei!! I was always under the impression that these were larger. Beautiful! © Brittanie McCormack 2011

As you can see I went again today. *^^* On BoA's birthday too of all days. ♥ Got tons of photos...around 30 something this time.

On top of that I have new butterflies to research and do entries on at some point (I'm still behind in filling in for October I've been "distracted" with all this research). Upon my second visit to the Gates of Heaven I've learned even more.

I cannot wait to visit again but I have bigger and badder things to save up for (Actias luna cocoons, books, nets, etc). I'll be going after I get my precious (A. luna) sorted out. I got about half done so far.

So happyyyyy

Observations:

A Heliconius erato had landed on me twice.........the same one too within an hour(s) period I believe. I swear it's like they know....♥ I'll never get tired of saying this either. My face was "raped" by what I believe was a Charaxes solon. These are very bulky butterflies. It felt like I was holding a grasshopper!

The only thing I could think of besides it just being a very heavy butterfly was that the one I observed was gravid.......but it didn't look it at all. Hmmmmm.......No Saturniids this time but I did find out that the best time to see them there is in March towards Spring. ♥

I already have planned dates:

March 1st (My B-day I'll be 20....Holy shit!)
March 20th (First day of Spring)

And anything in between that. *^^*

New Additions:

1. Green Banded Swallowtail (Papilio phorcas) *Landed on me for a brief minute fluttering like mad as if to say "Hello" *^^*
2. Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima) *Was identified as a "Black Peacock" saw several of these held a newly released one.
3. Great Mormon (Papilio memnon) *Several males flitting around the same plant
4. Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)
5. Red/Malay Lacewing (Cethosia biblis) *Female being released
6. Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
7. Charaxes solon? *Or something similar
8. Cracker (Hamadryas sp.)

Let the research/blogging begin!

Spiders!

2011-10-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Tutelina elegens my mystery iridescent jumping spider. *^^* Photo from Bugguide.

Mystery Solved!

God it pleases me so to say that. I love it when I get a mystery and then solve it. 2 more excuses for me to ramble, rant, analyze, and learn. So anyway I had observed this spider in one of the plants at the park a while back and due to me not seeing anything like it in person went on a research binge but turned up nothing.......

.......until today where I accidentally came across a photo of it on Bugguide and got the name. It doesn't seem to have an English name (otherwise BG would've listed it) and on Bugguide only list Tutelina similis as a similar species and mentions that it's impossible to ID the 2 species as spiderlings since they're so alike.

No other information is given. This calls for a proper Google search ( A.k.a "Google Rape") later as I have other more pressing mysteries to think on........like:

Cheiracanthium inclusum

These I've seen like crazy this year. Both adults and spiderlings of various stages. I don't know exactly what is going on here but it's fascinating. Where are they all coming from? Along with Cheiracanthium inclusum are a plethora of other tiny unidentified spiders. Quite a few of which are absolutely gorgeous.

The others are your tiny ordinary/mystery/cuties who's life mission is to never be identified. I thank God I have a photographic memory. As some of these "ordinary cuties" are not so ordinary once a better look is taken.

Noooohooooo they're like fucking mosaics. Yes you heard me. Like the clay/glass vases with the intricate designs on them. Shiny. Fat. Tiny. Fucking Pwecious. *.*

The last one was tiny and fat (abdomen wise) and the cephalothorax was a light tan color, the legs I don't remember (I'd imagine the same color more or less) and the abdomen was shiny black with silver designs on it. It was tiny but Idk if it was just a small adult something or an immature something.

I hope to see one again in the future and have a micro camera at the ready. I want to know what these are. I've seen them before along with the larger red ones. But don't know what they are. I have theories but I'll have to debunk some due to obvious differences.........I think.

As for C. inclusum after finding the last one in my bathroom doing it's business with me (beforehand it was on the ceiling in the hallway) I went and did my homework. My research on these shall be mentioned in another blog entry as I've rambled enough.

God I love my little friends. ♥♥♥♥ Happy Halloween!

Buggy Rant

2011-10-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'm very disgusted beyond all reason now.

Cimex has for some reason been a bitch lately and it's something I don't understand at all. They were coming out like a bloody fucking "massacre"....only they were doing the "killing" so to speak and I don't understand why? What changed?

The only thing that's different is the weather. It's gotten colder....MUCH colder (yet most of the trees still have leaves and they're still green) and yesterday we got the first batch of snow of the year in October no less!

I have been freezing my ass off for a good while and you'd think that the fact it felt like 0 degrees the Evil Ones would retreat to find warmth in their little hidey holes or just drop dead from freezing.....literally.

Nope.......It's the complete opposite.

Instead of retreating they've come out even more to the point it actually made me want to burn my mattress. But since that's obviously not an option I did a whole lot of work today with them. This work led me to do something that I never really did in all my 19 years of loving bugs and the sort.......

They left me so creeped out I wound up shaking. Yeah they left my stomach in knots and "shivering". In other words I had your "typical reaction" to seeing bugs (in general).

Shocking......well I had found 2/12 brand new hidey holes that not even the sad excuse for "exterminators" housing puts out had found and the site was fucking disgusting as Hell. So after dealing with all this bullshit today (or rather yesterday now, Happy Halloween) I'm sitting here ranting to you about it "de-bugging".

In other more pleasant news (for me at least ^^):

I have been seeing alot of spiders this year. Idk why but most of them had been males, females, or various immature stages (spiderlings) of Cheiracanthium inclusum (or another Cheiracanthium or even Clubiona but I'm sticking with C. inclusum). The others are a complete mystery to me but they're beautiful! They remind me of mosaics or vases with the patterns they have.

Of course I'm thinking that at least the red and white ones I've seen might be immature House spiders but I have to do major research on this and get back to you. I don't know much on spiders so I have to learn and buy books.

Any recommendations? Drop me a line. Looking for books that deal species in the Eastern USA. Many thanks!

Now I must go contaminate my poor eyes with the pleasant happy beautiful images of Lepidoptera & do some more blog entries while I'm at it.

*Happy thoughts Happy thoughts Happy thoughts*

NHM Butterfly Exhibit: Buckeyes & Chocolate Pansies

2011-10-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Male and Female Buckeyes (Junonia coenia) No I don't know (as of right now) which is which. ^^;;

Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

Observations:

These are tiny little things. I once again was expecting it to be about the size of a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) but they're smaller then that. Not only that but there were quite a few of them flying about and in the "puparium" freshly emerged were tons of Buckeyes.

Not only that. But I got to see one eclose! That was a yummy epic treat. It happened so quickly I was shocked. I was just standing there watching this beauty expand it's wings like someone blowing up a balloon only a bit slower.

And to see how tiny the chrysalids were (not just J. coenia but all the others too) and to see this tightly "wrapped" even tinier package of epicness come out and open up into such gorgeousness is.....*speechless*

This is interesting as this lists the Chocolate Pansy as Junonia hendonia ida.....WTF? Everywhere else I've seen it it's Junonia iphita with the synonym being Precis iphita. WTH is going on here?

Chocolate Pansy (Junonia iphita)

Observations:

Saw 2 of these. Got pictures. Not much to comment on these other then they're gorgeous. *^^* However I will comment on where this person who made the life stages plate got the name "Hedonia ida" from. AFAIK there's no Chocolate Pansy with that name past or present.

However when I Googled it it came up. Soo Idk....What's the difference between Junonia iphita and J. hedonia ida? Because they look the "same" to me.

Will back to you on this. Research!

NHM Butterfly Exhibit: Saturniid Mania Part 1

2011-10-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

Finally! I'm on a lepidopteran junkie high! Apparently finally laying eyes on Actias luna will do that. That was the icing on the cake.

Actias Luna

Observations:

This breathtaking specimen was perched all the way up almost towards the ceiling and would not have noticed it if it weren't for one of the staff (Thank you!) pointing it out to me when I had mentioned I was in love with them. *^^*

It was pale green almost white and left me in such a state I thought I was dreaming. ^^;;;

Something akin to this shade. Almost see through too. ♥♥♥♥ I'm dying for cocoons now. Must start getting ready!

*Happy squee*

Attacus atlas

Observations:

Was hiding in the bushes and didn't come out to play. *pout* But it was an absolute joy to see it regardless. I hope that next time they'll have one at least in a better viewing area since I want pics and wasn't able to get any.

I wonder if Carolina Science would provide these somehow? I got to hold empty cocoons which was amazing. And see preserved eggs (which are TINY!) which was a treat. I cannot believe something so huge starts out so small.......♥

Speaking of size......you all "know" that the Atlas moth is supposedly the largest moth in the world yes? Ok then what's this?

Male Hercules Moth (Coscinocera hercules) This pic implies that this is larger then Attacus........but Idk for sure.

Holy shit. Female Hercules Moth (Coscinocera hercules) I don't see Attacus doing anything of the sort but then again what the hell do I know?

There are other pics that turned up on Google of people holding both Attacus & Coscinocera but not together unfortunately so I can't make comparisons. Only research.

Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area [upwards of c. 400 cm² (62 sq in)]. Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25–30 cm (10–12 in). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.

-Wikipedia

Interesting one site (where I got the second picture from Googling) mention Coscinocera having a wing span of 27cm and living for about 10 days. So I'd say neck and neck I guess depending on the individuals......

Breathtaking! I wonder how big the other species of Attacus are? But that's for later. *^^* But there are other species as I had found some piccies during research a few months back.

Also on slightly different note:

What is this? It has characteristics of A. atlas but the color and patches/patterns are quite obviously off. Perhaps another species of Attacus?

The site listed it as Attacus atlas but it doesn't look a thing like it. Subspecies? Aaagh! If anyone knows anything feel free to let me know. Also the rest of the article on Wikipedia is here.

Cheers! There's lots more to come!

NHM Butterfly Exhibit

2011-10-08T09:00:00.001-07:00

Mesosemia sp. According to Ben a cousin (subspecies perhaps?) of M. loruhama.........but which one?! DAMN IT! *^^*

Ladies and Gents..........

Zeh List:

1. ✩ Luna Moth (Actias luna) ✩ FINALLY!
2. ✩ Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) ✩ Yippee~*^^*
3. Buckeye (Junonia coenia) Saw one eclose.......I got pics!
4. Chocolate Pansy (Junonia iphita)
5. Birdwing (Ornithoptera priamus)
6. Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina)
7. Dido Longwing (Philaethria dido)
8. Isabella Tiger/Longwing (Eueides isabella) Held one for like 20 minutes
9. Morpho peleides
9a. Morpho melenaus
10. Brown Siproeta (Siproeta epaphus)
11. Orchard Swallowtail (Papilio aegus) Sexually dimorphic! Observed males & females
12. Clipper (Parthenos sylvia)
13. Sara Longwing (Heliconius sara) *See notes on the various Heliconiidae
14. Postman (Heliconius melpomene) Various forms
15. Malachites (Siproeta stelenes)? Or were they all Philaethria dido that I saw?
16. Various Charaxes sp.
16a. Pearl Charaxes (Charaxes varanes)
17. Sleepy Orange (Euremma nicippe)
18. Mystery Pieridae member
19. Owl (Caligo sp.)
20. Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
21. Queen (Danause gilippus)
21a. Danaus genutia? Very brief and was still in flight.....never landed.
22. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
23. Julia (Dryas iulia)
24. Tree Nymph (Idea leuconoe)
25. Sweet Oils (Mechanitis polymnia)
26. Mexican Bluewing (Myscelia ethusa)
27. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
28. Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)
29. Cattle Hearts (Parides sp.) These are TINY!!
30. Silver Studded Leafwing (Hypna clytemnestra) Previously known as Anaea clytemnestra
31. ✩ Mystery Butterfly #1 ✩ (Memphis sp.)? I'm pretty certain it's one of the Memphis species
32. ✩ Mystery Butterfly #2 ✩ (Mechanitis? Heliconius?)
33. Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charitonius)

In progress........=) The list is done though. *^^*

Observations:

There were so many! Most of them being Heliconiids. Of the Heliconiids I observed I have successfully identified these (although they're all still up for speculation):

Heliconiidae:

1. Heliconius erato (numerous forms too I bet)
1a. H. e. cyrbia
2. Heliconius cydno
2a. H. c. cydno
3. Heliconius hewitsoni
4. H. hecale
5. H. melpomene
6. H. sara (possibly)

The others I'm not too sure of. However upon my research of Heliconiidae I have come to 2 conclusions:

1. I freaking love them.
2. Someone needs to write a book.

I'm simply dying for the last one to happen. Reason being (which should be obvious to any butterfly enthusiast) they belong to the most bad ass mimicry ring in the insect world. It's simply mind bogglingly amazing on how many different forms, variations (according to location) and hybrids there are of these butterflies.

It's lead me to repeatedly ask the question a thousand and one times. WHY HASN'T SOMEONE WRITTEN A BOOK?! My god I mean there's so much on these butterflies it'll make your brains explode. I could dedicate an entire month to them alone with all the pictures and resources I've found on them and Ithomiinae (which is just as incredible and mind boggling).

My second mystery butterfly I'm more then certain (after further research) is a Mechanitis of some sort. The closest I have come to is Mechanitis menapis occasiva but that's still wrong. The patterns are off. *Shoot me* >_<

I really need to get the picture I took of it on here. It's a pretty decent one too. I took lots of pictures and also got a video too. Dying to post them here. Got some camera issues to work out first. Also saw a Buckeye eclose in their "purparium" where they had various chrysalids there.

That was a treat as I've never really seen the whole process up close even when raising Vanessa cardui (at least that I can remember). That was another God Send.......

Speaking of God sends. I finally laid eyes on Actias luna.......He/She was perched waaaaaaaaaaay up almost towards the ceiling just sitting there looking absolutely breathtaking. Managed to take 2 pictures. And down below in the bushes as a bonus was Attacus atlas. Smh......I'm in awe.

Thank you God. Now I'm dying to go back. *^^* Further ramblings shall be continued in other entries. This one is long enough. ^^;;;;

Reserved

2011-09-27T02:36:00.000-07:00

Reserved.

Hermit Crabs

2011-09-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

As you know one of my plans is to get hermies again. From exactly where Idk. I'm either going with Carolina Science or a pet store.

And I had forgotten to mention I had dreamt about my little pinchy friends:

@wapogipo88
Brittanie McCormack Dreamt about getting blue hermit crabs from Carolina science.....I wonder what that was about? Blue land hermit crabs?! Violas perhaps? 대박!
Sep 16 via webFavorite RetweetReply

Had changed my twitter background recently. *^^* Have to go edit the other blog posts again. Won't have to do this again for while since I really like this one and plan on keeping it for a good while (and using it again of course).

And FYI they do have blue/purple hermies. Various species.....although most I believe would be aquatic. Violas are the only Land hermies I know of with such coloration.

Beautiful!

Enough of my rambling! Gotta run! ^_______^

Bzzzzzzzzz Busy!

2011-09-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Do not fret I'm still alive. Working on filling in post for this month and finishing up the 2 and half left for August. October 8th the NHM Butterfly Exhibit opens and I'm going to that sooner or later.....preferably on opening day Idk.....I have to figure out car fare. ^^

Then the epicness shall ensue. In other words my plans are to eventually and hopefully:

1. Get Actias luna from Carolina Science
2. Get extra and necessary bug catching equipment (E.g. Nets, butterfly houses, jars, etc.)
3. Figure out my camera issues ASAP (yes I finally have one)
4. Get other members of Lepidoptera in this house when available (Actias, Polyphemus, Papilio, Vanessa, etc)
5. Hermit Crabs (I don't need to say anymore on this)
6. Praying Mantises? (Must order colonies of wingless Drosophila melanogaster first...) Hmmm

Oh and most importantly! KILL CIMEX LECTULARIUS! >:) I've got them now. *Evil laughter*

See you soon! Love you loads!

Honeybees!

2011-09-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Apis mellifera scutellata I'd forgotten I had this. ^^;;

I think I might have seen 20 + this year! I had kinda lost track of them because I've been so busy with things but thinking on it now it's somewhat of a miracle for them this year. I can only hope next year I'll see even more.

When I'm not so tired I'll think back on it even more and see if I can estimate how many I've seen this year.

@wapogipo88
Brittanie McCormack Cabbage whites, Bumble bees, 1 hoverfly, 1 Microcentrum rhombifolium About 5 Honey bees pollinating Crape Myrtle, & 1-2 elsewhere 1 at pool.
Sep 16 via webFavorite RetweetReply

↑ This was for today. Finding these shocked me to no end and made me so happy. God bless you Apis mellifera!

Also to be more specific the one at the pool was in the mini garden along with Bombus impatiens. ^^;;

The Insects of Morningside Park

2011-08-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

A little "field guide" or list to all the insects successfully identified in my beloved park with notes and observations.....♥

Butterflies - Lepidoptera:

1. Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
2. Clouded Sulpher (Colias philodice) *Could also be Colias eurytheme but most like it's C. philodice although we could also be getting C. eurytheme too. Idk.....*^^*
3. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
4. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) *First 2 this year. Got to hold the second one on July 8th 2011. Epicness
5. Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) *Black form of female 08-17-11
6. Silver Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
7. Spring Azure (Celastrina argiolus)
8. Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
9. Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) *2009
10. Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
10a. Fritillary (Speyeria sp.)? *2009, larger then Silvery Checkerspot Adding from memory
11. Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Moths - Lepidoptera:

12. Case Bearers (Colephora sp.)? *Tiny beige moths in grass fly off a few feet and settle down when disturbed. Masters of camouflage. I had the name of these things (at least down to genus/family) at one point but I forgot. XD Research!
13. Pale Beauty (Campaea perlata)
14. Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) *H. deffinis I might've also seen too. Once not too sure.

Beetles - Coleoptera:

15. Asian Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis)
16. Redish Brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus)

Leafhoppers - Cicadellidae

16. Red & Green Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea)
17. Microsteles sp. *Still somewhat of a mystery because I know I have seen these before with the name.

Grasshoppers/Crickets - Orthoptera:

18. Katydid (Microcentrum rhombifolium)

Dragonflies & Damselflies - Odonata:

19. Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata)
20. Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
21. Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera) *Took me a whole year to ID these. xP

Bees, Wasps, & Ants - Hymenoptera:

Bees:

22. Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
23. Impatient Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens)
23a. American Bumblebee (Bombus pennsylvanicus) *Possibly
24. Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica)
25. Melissodes bimaculata
26. Giant Resin Bee (Megachile sculpteralus)
27. Digger Bees (Melissodes sp.)
27a. Nomad Bee (Nomada sp.)? *Possibly Triepeolus sp. & other similar looking bees within Nomadinae
28. Sweat Bee (Agapostemon splendens)
29. Leafcutter Bee (Megachile sp.) *Numerous species Possibly non Megachile too.
30. Coelioxys sp.?
31. Wool Carter Bee (Anthidium manicatum)

Wasps:

32. European Paperwasp (Polistes dominula)
33. Hoplisoides sp.
34. Ancistrocerus sp.
35. Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus)
36. Yellowjacket (Vespula sp.) *Either V. germanica or V. maculifrons *male
37. Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) *Possibly Also might be the three wasp I saw this year. Coloration matches this one too. Don't know about the legs though.
38. Mud Dauber (Chalybion sp.) *Might also be Sphex pensylvanicus
39. Cecercis fumipennis

Ants:

40. Lasius nearticus
40a. Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) *Most likely since I've seen black ones.
41. Eastern Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) *Don't see these anymore.....

Flies - Diptera:

42. American Hoverfly (Eupeodes americanus)
43. Pseudodoris clavatus, or Ocyptamus sp.
44. Condylostylus sp.
45. Ornate Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus ornatus) *Or a relative of some sort. Bugguide doesn't mention C. ornatus occuring anywhere near NYC just North Carolina. Must do further research.

True Bugs - Heteroptera:

46. Lygus Bugs (Lygus sp.)
47. Heterotoma merioptera
48. Lopidea sp. *Bugguide's mystery bug. Everyone's trying to narrow it down to species

Spiders - Araneae

49. Leucauge sp.
50. Clubiona sp.
50a. Cheiracanthium sp.
51. Araneus diadematus? *Or something very similar

Lacewings - Neuroptera

52. Green Lacewings (Chrysopa, Chrysoperla sp.) *No way of knowing which ones.

Centipedes & Millipedes - Myriapoda

Millipedes (Diplopoda):

53. Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus? *Nothing else comes to mind
54. Greenhouse Millipede (Oxidus gracilis)

Centipedes (Chilopoda):

55. Stone Centipedes (Lithobiomorpha) Zygethobius ecologus? *Only one listed in BG. Range is not given. Guessing.

*Note: This list will change. There's always something new popping up in that park. Can't wait for next year to see what it is. ^______^

Epic Observations

2011-08-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Went to the park today proceeded to witness epicness:

@wapogipo88
Brittanie McCormack 3-4 European Paper Wasps, 1 bee (Anthidium sp.?), Cabbage whites, 2 Graphocephala coccinea, 1 Female blue dasher (?) 1 12-spotted skimmer.
Aug 31 via webFavorite RetweetReply

What a buggy day indeed. Totally loving it. I got pictures of said female blue dasher. Not too sure yet if it is one. Don't remember them having orange stigmata. This one had orange ones.

Interesting!

@wapogipo88
Brittanie McCormack 1 Perithemis tenera, 1 Mystery Leaf hopper (Research!), Bumble bees & 1 Monarch butterfly! Yay! I can now add it my list! Hope to see more!
Aug 31 via webFavorite RetweetReply

Yay! ^________^

The Hall of Shame - Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)

2011-08-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Funny..........then how come my couches are gone?!

Long long ago when you were a wee little lad and your parents tucked you into bed they often told you "Sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite......."

You, being the naive young child probably thought that "Bed Bugs" were something cute and cuddly that your parents made up and were perfect harmless fabrications of your mommy and daddy's minds.......nothing to worry about right?"

W.R.O.N.G.

As we all know bed bugs are very real and not some sick twisted fabrication of some fucked up folklore although I wish (and the rest of the world does too) they were. New York (and the rest of America), as we also all know is in the middle of what Animal Planet had so kindly called it "The Bed Bug Apocalypse".

Scared yet? You should be. I know I am........

.....You see (there's no kind way to put this) people have died trying to get rid of these things simply because they have no knowledge and have never had to deal with something like this.......ever.

That and they're stupid. One man lit his house on fire so to speak because he tried killing them with rubbing alcohol.....stupid stupid fool. While apparently rubbing alcohol does kill them it's not worth destroying your house and possibly killing yourself in the process.

Nope. I'd fine other means. Safer means.......

Exterminators are one way. As we all know the little bastards are becoming more resistant to pesticides, but it doesn't make them unkillable. The one thing they cannot resist or fight in anyway is heat. Heat is the No.1 enemy of Bedbugs.......there's no coming back from being baked at 140 degrees.

But not everyone can afford to pay to get their entire house heated up to insane degrees cause that shit is expensive. But it works.

So why doesn't some entomological genius use this valuable information and start working on figuring out something that the general public can afford to use and is most importantly 1000000000000% safe to use?

Come on America!!

To be continued.....with "The Evil Lives of Bedbugs" Hehehehe *^^*

Psychodidae Invasion

2011-08-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Clogmia albipunctata life cycle. *Note: Pupae is not of Psychodidae.

So for the past 2 months I believe (June-July) I've been seeing quite alot of Moth flies in my house. I have never........I repeat never have had this many in my house ever. Once in a blue moon one would come in but I would normally see most of them outside on the windows in the lobby.

So what's different this year that they came into my house "one by one" and so many? Must've seen about 10- 20 in the course of 2 months! The only idea that comes to mind that's most definitely different this year is the weather. We've gotten a shitload of rain it's not even funny.

And Psychodidae love moist areas. Hence why they live in your drains and are also called Drain flies. But 99% (if not 100%) of all the ones I saw this year were in my house. Mind you it wasn't "out of hand" but it was like every other day or so I'd find one on the walls in my kitchen or bathroom or flying towards my computer screen.

What the hell was going on here? The only thing different in my house is that the furniture is gone (Thank you Cimex! *Sarcasm*). They could've also gotten in somehow too. But once again is why? If they came into my house like everything else does why so many? What's in my house that they love so much?

Mind you I'm not complaining I'm just curious. Then there's the matter of them being called Psychodidae. Get it? >:) Have they finally lost it or something? While I'm at it I'll list the other "insect invasions" we've had:

2010:

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Saw 14 of them in one day. That year we got a large influx of them. This year I didn't see one. Interesting........

Convergent Lady Bug (Hippodamia convergens)

Saw more of these then I did of Harmonia axyridis at some points. 0_0

2011:

Lacewings (Chrysopa, Chrysoperla sp.)

Not gonna even begin with these. TONS of them this year.

Eastern Commas (Polygonia comma)

Saw maybe 20 in one day.......0_0 Mass emergence perhaps?

Can't think of any more but I have to wonder about all of this.........fascinating. Getting back to Psychodidae.........why Pyschodidae? What's so crazy about them? They're actually (Clogmia albipunctata don't know about other species although I'd imagine other ones too) very very important insects as they help keep our sewage systems clean by feeding on the algae.

No one wants an algae clogged up sewer spilling it's guts everywhere. But again why the "Psycho" in Psychodidae?

I need an origin of names here on Psychodidae!! Anyone care to explain?

Appreciate it immensely. Be on the look out for part 2!

I'm Alive :P

2011-08-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is a fill in for this day obviously.

Just wanted to let you know that I'm alive. :P Said hurricane turned into a tropical storm by the time it reached us. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Power stayed intact (sp?) (we disconected everything though just incase) and I had plenty of crackers, chips, fruit preserve thingies, chips, sodas, books, and music holed up in my little "hidey hole" (that sounds so wrong. XD) a.k.a the bathroom.

So I was "ok". Scared shitless but alive. :P Now I must go do fill ins because I obviously missed a few days. ^___________^ This was one of them.

God bless you all. ♥

☆ SPECIAL NOTICE! ☆

2011-08-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

I have no idea on how I even begin to say this. Tomorrow we're supposed to be getting a freaking hurricane........they're expecting the power to go out and everyone's "running around like crazy" making preparations. And I mean everyone. In other words I have no idea when I'll update this thing again.

I'll make it ASAP I promise you I just wanted to let you know. I've got enough going on as it is I don't need this too. This year has been quite eventful not to mention stressful so I haven't been blogging much I know. I'm trying to make up for it but it's hard. Consider this day "Mass posting day". Filling in all the posts I can.

Not to mention I'm scared shitless but who isn't at this point? Oh did I mention this in NEW YORK CITY?!!! Yes, we're having fucking hurricanes in the freaking city. And Manhatten (the borough that I live btw) is supposed to get the worst of it.

Holy shit.......

Regardless of where you are stay safe and God bless........God have mercy please.

On The Buggy Side of Things:

When stuff like this happens I have to wonder where all the bugs go? Yesterday the cicadas were singing again......I wonder if they somehow sense what's going on? Mind you it was much much less then what they've been usually doing.

As for other insects Idk.......I haven't been able to get out too much this August to observe them. You can thank the fucking weather being messed up as hell for it but when I did it ensued in epicness. You shall hear about said epicness and also a list of all the successfully identified insects at my precious park. "A Field Guide To The Insects of Morning Side" if you will.

↑ I really like the name of that. *Gets ideas* ^____^

I love you all......♥ God bless you.

The Great Carpenter Bee Mystery

2011-08-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Xylocopa virginica virginica subspecies of X. virginica....Eastern Carpenter Bee. Really? Subspecies now? Oh Lord.......X_X

How do I even begin with this......? Ok I've been seeing 3 bees that resemble a "Carpenter Bee" in coloration/patterning and "size". There was a 4th bee but I've already ID'd that one. Megachile sculpturalis. Giant Resin Bee. So that's over and done with.

Now the three other ones I'm seeing.......1 is Bombus impatiens (in the beginning I thought it was Bombus pennsylvanicus but I think that was a bout of insanity on that one) the other is definitely Xylocopa (shiny abdomen and HUGE) and the other is what's stumping me.

It looks like a smaller (bigger then a honey bee, about the size of Melissoides bimaculata give or take a few) B. impatiens. Is this the male? It definitely is not a Carpenter Bee. So what the hell is it?

Male Bombus impatiens?? But why are they pollinating flowers then? Male bees DO NOT have pollen baskets. They're main purpose in life is to bang the queen and die. What they do after screwing Your Majesty depends on the species but they all die sooner or later. So WTF is going on here?

HELP! I'm going to try and get back to the park ASAP and have a look at the smaller ones. A good good look.

Damn it this is confusing:

1. Giant Resin Bee (Megachile sculturalis) o

I had mistaken these to be males of Bombus pennsylvanicus during a moment of lack of knowledge and insanity. My apologies. ^^;;

2. Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica, X. v. virginica) o

Idk if the subspecies occurs here but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. They all look alike to me. X_X Must train my eyes better.

4. "Impatient" Bumble (Bombus impatiens) o

More then certain on this one as B. pennsylvanicus has a "form" (Have to look into this more to know exactly what this is) that I don't see here at all.

5. "Mystery Bee" (Bombus, Xylocopa, Other) x

This is the one that making me go nuts. X_X It has fuzz on it's abdomen so I guess that rules out Xylocopa.......sooo then Bombus sp.? Male B. impatiens? WHAT IS IT?!

Research! I'll get back to you.......why must you all look so similar?! -_-

Cicada Mania Part 2

2011-08-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Tosema depicta from Borneo Malaysia. The Tosema genus and others have some of the most beautiful cicadas I've ever seen......♥ And there's nothing on them. Grrrr.....>:(

After today's epic observations I have now no doubt that there's more then one species of cicada singing here. I don't remember how they all sounded and to look through only God knows how many recordings of their songs to find each one from memory.......is a little much don't you think?

However this will not stop me from speculating and ranting. Wild guesses: They're all Tibicen species. Which ones? I know Tibicen tibicen for sure and after that I haven't the slightest clue. XD I'd have to do more research.

Observations:

They were singing like mad at the pool today to the point I was hoping I would get to see one. That sadly didn't happen. I was standing right over them underneath a Japanese Pagoda Tree hoping one would fly down or something. No such luck.

Damn you vegetation. :P But it was wonderful (as always) to hear them singing. It got to the point where cicadas in trees on the other side of the street would start singing too!

Holy just thinking about gets me on a high. Looks like I'll have to do research after all on this as I want possible names to all the participants that weren't already known. *^^* Expect an edit shortly along with linkies.

God I love Cicadas........♥

Edit: Trying a little something different

Why is twitter so over capacitated today? Eh anywho: 1 Pieris rapae, 2 European Paper Wasps, Bumble bees, & Mystery black bees at the pool.less than a minute ago via Tweet Button Favorite Retweet ReplyBrittanie McCormack
wapogipo88

My tweet detailing the epicness that I was able to observe. I wonder what those bees were? Too big to be Melissodes bimaculata......sooooo?

Off to do research now! Back in a bit.

The Celastrina Mystery

2011-08-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

The "Holly Blue" (Celastrina argiolus) which is my first time seeing this butterfly listed with this common name. I have always seen them listed as "Spring Azures".......interesting.

The genus Celastrina (Lycaenidae) is a mystery to me simply because they all look alike. There has been "speculation" (Idk whether this was a joke or not) on whether or not the entire Celastrina genus was one big mega species.

I mean Celastrina argiolus has fourteen different subspecies alone (See Wikipedia) as well as 6 different seasonal forms according to The Butterflies of North Amerca: A Natural History and Field Guide (James A. Scott). ← Look! I'm promoting! Go buy it now! But does this answer the question alone?

Is Celastrina one big mega species or not?

This is something that appears to already have an answer from what I'm understanding. For instance upon further research before typing up this entry I have realized that I could be seeing three different "species" of Celastrina!!

1. Holly Blue/Spring Azure (Celastrina argiolus)
2. Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
3. Holly Azure (Celastrina idella)

All 3 occur in the Eastern United States.....all 3 look like what I'm seeing in my park and around my house. All 3 are absolutely gorgeous. :P All 3 are proceeding to baffle my poor brains trying to figure them out. X_X

The reason I wrote 'species' as "species" is because C. ladon is/or was once considered to be a subspecies of C. argiolus. (See Wikipedia and do extra research) C. ladon doesn't occur over here......no matter what it is (species subspecies) they're found elsewhere.

Confused yet? >:) Basically it's this: Celastrina in general is being questioned as it being one big insanely variable species. All my books are speaking of them as if the "mystery" has already been solved and I'm just questioning what's already known to "everyone else".

But my books give no mention on this at all. No mention of Celastrina being one big mega species. No mention of this even being considered. However......there is this:

Azures: Celastrina Tutt:

The Azures are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and are all very similar. In North America this maybe our most poorly understood group. Before 1972 where it was shown that Celastrina nigra was a separate species we thought there was only one azure. Now we know that there are at least three, and very probably there are at least several other sibling host-plant specialists.

Our most commonest species Celastrina argiolus is quite variable geographically and seasonally. The caterpillars are tended by ants and the winter is spent in the chrysalis.

~ Peterson Field Guide: Eastern Butterflies Copyright infringement is not intended I needed to quote this for obvious reasons.....please don't sue. :P

B.U.S.T.E.D.!

At least partially. :P At least this implies that the "mystery" has indeed somewhat been solved. And I wonder if the three species that are mentioned are the three that I mentioned that occur in the Eastern United States. And then there's this on the ID of Celastrina idella quoted from Bugguide:

"Dr. David Wright (22 Jan '06) believes this could be a Holly Azure. First described in 1999 it is known from Aiken Co., SC. A Spring-flying species that resembles the Summer Azure. Summer Azures do have a Spring emergence in some localities - hence the confusion. Summer Azures are predominantly found in association with Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). Holly Azures are associated with Holly (Ilex spp.). Summer Azures perch with wings vertical above body; Holly Azures perch with wings partly spread at 30-45 degrees. This specimen has its wings partly spread.
Identification may come down to habitat: are there Holly species in the immediate area?
I am placing it as a Holly Azure so that photographers can be made aware of this species and hopefully get some more images in 2006."

- Tony-2 from Bugguide

There is Holly at that park and there might be Black Cherry too. Lord knows there's tons of trees/shrubs that bear black/dark dark purple berries at some point. Bugguide had also said that any species seen after July 1st may be Celastrina neglecta......that is of course assuming C. argiolus doesn't have a summer form (and I bet you it does). X_X

Someone shoot me! Cyren!! What would you know about this?!! Have you heard of the Celastrina? I will be doing further research into this. This obviously includes asking people. XD

OH FUN! Lepidoptera why must you be so confusing?! @_@

Epicness!

2011-08-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful.....♥

I saw one today. The dark form of the female Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). This had me doing 2 things:

1. Chasing after it like Moby Dick minus the net to get a better look at it
2. Sent me on a wild goose chase trying to ID it.

Notes on No.2: The pretty little sneak had me considering:

1. Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
2. Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)
3. Red Spotted Purple (Limenitis astyanax) *The last 2 was a bout of insanity. To even consider the last two.....X_X

Nevertheless when I finally was reminded and "forced" to go researching the dark form of the female Tiger Swallowtail I had to almost facepalm myself for my utter stupidity. With all the Tiger Swallowtails we've been getting this year (starting last year) for some reason it didn't occur to me that I'd eventually "bump into" the dark form of the female.

I am stupid stupid stupid.......but in this case it was a good stupid as I needed the surprise and utter joy it brought me. It was the icing on the cake to an utterly perfect day.

And I thank it immensely (yes you read that right :P).

Edit: Tweets of epicness!

@ The park: 10 cabbage whites, 1 Agapostemon splendens, 1 American Hoverfly, 1 Cicada killer (went in burrow), 1 Ancistrocerus sp.less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyBrittanie McCormack
wapogipo88

↑ This is making me want to go on a research rampage for Sphecius speciosus. But "The Observations of Sphecius speciosus" is for a bit later on. *^^*

1 Perithemis tenera, 2 Unidentified dragonflies, Hoverflies, 1 yellow jacket or European paper wasp, ✩1 BLACK SWALLOWTAIL✩ (I think) 대박!less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyBrittanie McCormack
wapogipo88

This is where the insanity with the ID with this butterfly ensued as at the time I could've sworn what I saw was a Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).

I wonder when I do my list do I count this form of the Tiger Swallowtail as separate?

At the Pool:

1 Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) & 1 dragonfly.........♥ ← You didn't expect me to post the tweet for this did you? :P Laterz! ^______^

P.S. For those of who who don't know 대박 is jackpot in Korean. ^^;;

Mystery Solved?

2011-08-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Pwecious! *.*

Remember this? I think I might've figured this little guy out. I was browsing my books and found photos of members from Platypezidae (Flat-Footed Flies) and they look just like this little one. The key feature: The eyes.

Be it that only the males (right? Have to check again) have the giant eyes........damn I lost my train of thought here. >_< Uh nevermind. I did a quick research binge on them and there doesn't seem to be much on them unfortunately.

Also since I got this photo from a Chinese site it maybe hard to ID it to species or even genera since I wouldn't know anyone that's an expert on Chinese Diptera or all insects in general.

But I will ask around regardless at least to confirm that it's a member of Platypezidae (man that is FUN to say!).

First up: Bugguide's Facebook Group!

Hall of Shame Introduction

2011-08-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Only the baddest of the bad, the most annoying of the annoying, and the most evil of the evil will make their way on to this infamous list.

You see not all of my little friends are good. There are some that need to be dealt with accordingly and others that need to just be wiped out completely because they're affecting and ruining people lives, not to mention the well being of other insects that we do need.

So without further ado......welcome to the Hall of Shame! >:)

WARNING: Some post might not be suitable for children.........read at your own risk. >:)

Cicada Mania Part 1

2011-08-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

As I type this they're singing like crazy. They've been doing so since the first. All of this has prompted me to try and figure out what species I'm hearing. By researching all of this I've fell in love with cicadas even more. ♥

I still don't know exactly which ones I'm hearing. But I believe that they're in the Tibicen genius and after that might be either Tibicen tibicen or Tibicen t. australis. However I naturally (obviously) have to question this based on, 1. Observations 2. Facts (from sites & books).

Observations:

1. They start their "concerts" like crazy around 6-7 (dusk/sunset) E.g Right now. *^^*
2. They have sung during the day (not as frequent)
3. I think I'm hearing 2-3 different species/subspecies? *As of today
4. Cicada mania really kicked off 08-01-11 *Have heard them once in a while late July
5. Songs varied in volume but are the "same" *As of today

3. Very subtle difference in between songs. I'm mostly hearing "one type" though. They're really going at it now. *^^* I love it
1. It's 7:55PM and the sky's all pink and light blue sun has gone down.

I'm very happy right now. ^__________^

Theories:

1. I'm thinking they're either Tibicen tibicen or Tibicen t. australis. I "narrowed it down" via this epic site that has recordings of the songs of Cicadas of the Eastern United States. Both have very similar songs to what I'm hearing....however there's a subtle difference to it that's hard to describe and the sites doesn't list any other Tibicen species with similar sounding songs........

See Bugguide page on Tibicen tibicen. Lists them as being common in New York........I live in New York and I also believe that that's what I've seen upstate too. Resemblance is uncanny! I have yet to see one at my house (I hope I do as that would solve this mystery 100 %).
2. Might be something other then T. tibicen.........although now due to research I highly doubt that.......XD

Facts:

1. Will have to rule out Tibicen t. australis apparently. Bugguide completely disputes the possibility of it being that due to it (according to them) not occurring in New York. Read guide page. Duh! :P

2. Mystery possibly solved? Answer Tibicen tibicen? Unless there another similar sounding Tibicen species occurring in NY state (will due further research) I'm going with T. tibicen.

To be continued!!! Photo: Unknown Cicada species. Gorgeous no? Will ask around for ID.

Green Cloverworm (Hypena scabra)

2011-07-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

At some point every year at least one comes into my house.

For years I've been wanting to know what kind of moths these are. Well due to my books giving me a lead I was able to put a name to these beauties.

The one that I found in the kitchen was very skittish as in it would not allow me to go near it half the time so it was impossible to catch it. It acted like your Common House Fly (Musca domestica) then a moth in terms of behavior.

Fascinating. I wonder if this characteristic or if it was just this particular individual? Will do further research on this later. Expect an edit as this entry isn't even near finished. I have plans to go on a research binge on these.

I want to know everything.

MONARCHS & DRAGONFLIES GALORE!!

2011-07-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

I saw so many of my little friends today. But the best was this monarch at the pool. First of the season.......♥ I DO hope to see more of you Danaus plexippus!

At The Pool:

1 Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
1 Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
1 Agapostemon splendens? *male rescued from drowning.......no wonder I didn't get stung!
1 Yellow Jacket or European Paper Wasp
1 Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)

At The Park:

More Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae)
3 Cicada Killers (Sphecius speciosus)
1 Spider
1 Leafhopper
European Paper Wasps
Bees (Melissoides bimaculata was one of them) *might be mixing up the dates I saw the second M. bimaculata.......Idk. X_X
1 Spring Azure (Celastrina argiolus)? *See post "Celastrina Mystery" cause this whole thing is a mystery to me. >_<
1 Lacewing
2 Mud Daubers (Chalybion sp.)
DRAGONFLIES!

Observations of Dragonflies:

I more or less walked into a swarm of them in the field and it was one of the most beautiful insecty things I've seen at the park this year. To see the sun glinting off their wings in rainbows........*happy happy sigh*

Upon further research after I got back I found I walked into a feeding swarm. Being that there were numerous species far far away from the water and they obviously weren't courting each other it had to be some other reason they were swarming like that. It was a "mini swarm" about maybe 20-30 flying around.

I was able to ID 2 of them in that swarm as being:

Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata)
12 Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)

And finally my mystery orange dragonfly as Perithemis tenera Eastern Amberwing. Did I mention how much I love insects? :P

The "observations of Sphecius speciosus" will be a separate entry as I want to look into them more and possibly answer questions before I speculate/analyze.

I'm going to say this again. I. LOVE. INSECTS.

BOTM: Hemaris thysbe

2011-07-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

I'm in awe of these things. They're amazing bee mimics!

Three........after the 26th I've seen three of these in my lifetime. The very first time was at "Insectopia" at Camp Huntington (damn it I miss you!) back in 2003.....so that was about 9 years ago.......0_0 2nd and 3rd time was obviously at my beloved park.

The first one I saw at the park might have been Hemaris deffinis since this one looked like a bumble bee from what I could see and H. deffinis mimics bumble bees. H. thysbe I think is just "Bees in general" I don't think they're targeting any specific bees but I could be wrong. I have to look into that more. Regardless of what the first one was it was still a Hemaris species so it counts. :P

The latest one I observed now that I think on it had a very "happy flight" to it as in if it could smile while was flitting from flower to flower feeding nectar and "dodging" me trying to get a better look at it it would. ^___^

Idk.....maybe it's just me but that's how I see it. Absolutely gorgeous beings. I love them. And now on zeh infos!

This is a very nice article on them indeed. Wikipedia surprisingly doesn't have much on them. -_- Disappointing. But I'll be searching for additional info elsewhere.

Expect an edit. I will also get around to an entry for H. deffinis too.

Reddish-Brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus)

2011-07-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

These are alot smaller then the piccie implies.

I found one today. It shocked me because I didn't think I'd see one period. Any stag beetle really. Upon further research I've also had a revelation that all the beetle grubs I have seen over the years might have been Lucanus capreolus..........and now I find an adult male.

Icing on the cake no? Bugguide has the following information:

Found at lights, at bait, and around decaying logs, stumps, where it breeds. Males use mandibles to fight at breeding sites. Eggs are deposited in rotting wood.

Larvae live in decaying wood of deciduous trees. They take two years to develop, pupate in nearby soil.

-Bugguide

And they're also attracted to lights?........this is further fueling my desire to run downstairs and "bait" whatever's around here but I don't have the proper equipment to do so and wouldn't know where to get it. XD

I will look into it though......for next year of course. *^^* Will be digging up additional information on these later possibly for another entry......who knows?

*List of other bugs goes here* ← For later.....^^

Halysidota Harrisii (Yippee)!!

2011-07-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

I saw 5 of them today! 0_0 Being that it was like 114 degrees definitely had something to do with it. They were huge and covering a Sycamore tree a few blocks from my place. Not to mention they were the color of sunshine......♥

So all together that makes 7 so far. Never saw so many in one spot in one day before. Thank you!!

And thanks to Bugguide I can now sort of pinpoint their time frame. In other words when I can hunt them down and see them more frequently next year:

Overwinter as cocoons, adults emerge in May and June and lay eggs on the underside of leaves or bark of sycamore. Young larvae feed in groups, they scatter later.

- Bugguide

I see the larvae more then the adults. Last adult I saw was on mom's birthday (I think) last year on the terrace. I wasn't able to get to it due to it being locked (the terrace) and I didn't have a key. *Makes note to ask housing for a key to the terrace.

Caterpillars in General:

9 including 1 Pieris rapae and 1 unknown Geometrid
7 Halysidota harrisii, First 2 (2nd or 3rd instar)?
Hope to see more naturally. Also something I've noticed about Halysidota species in general is that larvae are extremely variable in color! I remember years and years ago seeing H. tessellaris walking on a picnic bench at camp (Starfish I think it was........or was it Ramapo (sp?) Idk....). I remember getting excited and kinda disappointed because at the time I thought I couldn't hold due the whole "irritant hairs" things.

I was still learning about insects so I didn't know better. That's not to say I didn't look at it and very lightly (I think, don't remember) brushed my finger across it's back. It was the grey and black form (do they name the varieties?).

Last time I saw H. tessellaris but I'll keep my eyes open if I ever go upstate again (highly unlikely though). I love my precious babies.

I wonder if the heat also rushed along their development??? It's happened before when I raised Vanessa cardui! =) Aaahh the good old days.....♥

Photo from Bugguide.

Pseudopontia's Twin Sister!!

2011-07-16T22:35:00.001-07:00

Leucidia brephos is Pseudopontia's almost twin sister. Only difference is L. brephos has clubbed antenna & Pseudo......doesn't.

The Snowflake (Leucidia brephos)

Stumbled across these today during my research and did somewhat of a double take. I said this looks like Pseudopontia!! And that led to the many questions:

1. Why do they look so similar?
2. Are they related in terms other then family/order (they're both in Pieridae)?
3. Is anything known about them?

Question No.3 can be answered in somewhat of a heartbeat:

Snowflakes are invariably encountered singly, usually when seen in flight at light gaps in the forest, where trees have fallen and sunlight penetrates to ground level. These tiny butterflies have a very slow and very persistent fluttering flight, flying for long periods but apparently going nowhere ! It is in fact possible to watch one of these delightful butterflies drifting and wafting about, but without travelling more than a few metres, for several minutes before it eventually settles.

When the butterfly does settle however it tends to stay put for long periods - these aspects of it's behaviour being very reminiscent of the Leptidea Wood Whites of European forests, although the latter are of course entirely unrelated, being members of the Dismorphiinae.

- Butterflies of The Amazon

Just imagining this is not good enough. Because we all know that seeing the real thing will put anything your mind can cook up to shame. Leptidea species......I have heard of these due to the fact I briefly looked into Dismorphiinae and remember seeing Leptidea mentioned.

However Dismophiinae and it's members is for another day. For now we focus on this beauty. =) General information on this mentions another species: Leucidia evelina which you can bet will have research of some sort done.

Said "General Information" is from the same epic site:

The subfamily Coliadinae is worldwide in distribution, and includes 70 species in the neotropical region. Among them are the familiar Phoebis Sulphurs and Eurema Grass Yellows of the lowlands, and the Colias Clouded Yellows of the high altitude paramo and puna grasslands.

Most Coliadinae species are migratory in nature, and highly conspicuous - Phoebis and Eurema for example are often seen flying along riverbanks in "strings" of a dozen or more while migrating, and males of both genera commonly swarm in groups of 50 or more when mud-puddling at damp sand.

It may come as a surprise therefore to find that the tiny and elusive Snowflake, a denizen of the dark rainforests, is also a member of the same subfamily. There are in fact two "snowflake" species - elvina, which has dark wing borders and looks like a miniature Eurema albula; and the illustrated species brephos, which is by far the commoner and most widespread of the two species.

Leucidia brephos is distributed from Panama to Bolivia.

-Butterflies of the Amazon

Also upon further Googling I found this which has photos of 2 subspecies of L. brephos. I'll of course be researching everything mentioned here because I want to know more. :P Expect and edit of sorts or more entries. *^^* And a very happy birthday to my mommy. You're the best. ♥

Credits: Photo and info is from here. No copyright infringement is intended. ^^

And 1 Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) today! *^^*

Lepidoptera-y Goodness!!

2011-07-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

Damn right it's all about me.....damn right it's all about me Na na na na na na na na na na na....

- BoA "Look Who's Talking" I couldn't resist. ^__^

Stumbled across these just now (07-17-11):

Butterflies of Mexico
Neotropical Butterflies Checklist (Butterflies of N. America)
Andean Butterflies

Species to research:

Hypanartia lindigii (Hypanartia sp. in GENERAL) *Gorgeous*
Catasticta ludovici
Aeria eurimedia

Butterflies of Ecuador
Butterflies of Venezuela (BOOKS!) Dear God I want them all! *.*
Neotropical Butterflies Knew about this one already just listing it.

Species to Research:

Ithomeis coenoides
Necyria zanetaPolygrapha cyanea

Lepidopterology This is cute.
Guide To Costa Rican Iithomiinae I don't need to say anymore on this. *Speechless*
FLMNH Butterfly Rainforest If I EVER go to Florida........

Ok I'll add more later. It's late and I need to get to bed. *^^*

Red and Green Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea)

2011-07-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen one of these in a very very very long time. So long I don't remember how long. So it was nice seeing one of these along with:

Cabbage whites
1 Leaf cutter bee
1 Mystery wasp (Polistes sp.?) * Coloring was like that of P. carolina with black tip on abdomen
1 Tiger Swallowtail? Was flying up way to high for me to see exactly what it was but it definitely wasn't a bird.

Additional information will be added later. =)

Mystery Bees.......Rant

2011-07-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Anthidium manicatum which is one of 2 Anthidium species introduced to E. North America

Ok so a bunch of bees have been intriguing me for quite a bit and I want answers. With The Great Carpenter Bee Mystery pretty much solved (will get to that asap I have posts to fill in!!) a new mystery has presented itself.

Actually this has been "brewing" for sometime. I just today decided to analyze it through ranting on this blog of mine. I've been seeing quite alot of bees that I believe might be Mining, Plaster, or Adrenidae members, also Megachilidae too. But I have no way of ID'ing them unless I have a camera. They all look so similar.

Add the fact that they're fucking fast and there's "no hope" unless I get a camera and get pictures of the really friendly ones. I got a good look at 2 today. One was black and white and shaped like an Anthidium........but I don't think it was (unless colormorph?) due to the fact that they're only 2 Anthidium sp. in Eastern North America (ENA from now on). The second one I believe is either Anthidium manicatum or A. oblongata.

Observing this one was a dead giveaway. It was carrying a fuzzball. *^^* In other words females of A. manicatum (& presumably other Anthidium species too.....??) scrape off the fuzz off of fuzzy plants and line their nest with it. And there's PLENTY of fuzzy plants in the park by my house so they'll be in heaven.

This is the first time I've seen this one (again either A. manicatum or A. oblongata) all the others I have. I just don't know what kind they are. I know what families they might reside in but that's it........oooooh wait until I get a camera.

In other news.......I saw 2 Halysidota harrisii!!! *Jumping* First 2 of the season along with:

Cabbage Whites
A Comma (I think what else could it be?)
Harmonia axyridis
BEES (need I say more?)
American Bumble bees
Leafhopper nymph? (the brown ones with the white fuzzy things in the back)
2 Lopidea sp.
Spring Azure
3 Cicada Killers (must feature these ASAP)
3 Polistes sp.?? *This? Maybe.....
Moth Fly (Lobby)

My brains all fuzzy! >_< Apologies if I forgot any. ^^;; There were just so MANY of you today. ^_^ Must go now. REALLY pooped. -_-

EPIC!

2011-06-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

So much epicness! Really tired so I'm just gonna list them all and ramble later:

Cabbage whites
TWO Tiger Swallowtails OMG!
1 Silver Spotted Skipper
2 Lopidea sp. (One landed on me)
2 Eastern Commas
1 American Hoverfly?
Clear Wing Moth!! (Hemaris diffinis or H. thysbe?) Oh. My. God.!
American Bumble bees (Males everywhere on Buckeye bush)
Carpenter bees
1 Honey bee
Hover Fly (Brown not sure of the sp.) *Thinking Pseudodoris clavatis it's very variable
Thrips or beetle larvae in a Datura (?) flower
Spring Azure
Male Mosquitoe or Midge
And a lacewing on my terrace window....♥ Epic!

I'll ramble properly about all of this later. Also the "Great Carpenter Bee Mystery" has been pretty much solved after my observations today. My suspicions about the whole thing have been right all along. Smh........*Major facepalm* There were lots of bees today. My somewhat mystery digger bees, some of which might be mining or plaster bees.

Not too entirely sure. And I won't be unless I catch one (impossible) so the only other option is to get photos (possible since there was one today that was very friendly & photogenic). Not to mention the second tiger swallowtail I saw today was very photogenic and friendly but it wouldn't let me hold it. >_<

Hehehe. That's fine. Someday though...........I hope. *^^* Enjoyed seeing all these and a proper rambling shall occur later since I know someone's wondering what the "Great Carpenter Bee Mystery" is.

And I'll tell you later! ^_______^

Epic!

2011-06-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

So I FINALLY was able to go back to my beloved park. *Happy sigh* And I saw tons of cabbage whites and carpenter bees. Also a Mining Bee of some sort? Not too sure.

But I finally met someone who could tell me about the plants in Morning Side!! Yippee! This is why this visit was especially epic. =) I've been attempting to find someone for quite a while. So I'm happy to have finally accomplished that. Hoping to meet Joe (that's his name ^^) again someday.

On to the buggies:

Cabbage whites
A Bee (RESEARCH!)
Carpenter bees
European paper wasps
An Ant (I can't remember where I saw this.......X_X)
Lopidea sp. (a nymph and an adult)

By my house:

A Jumping Spider
A Mirid

Aaaah 모닝 싸이드 오랫만이예요! ᄏᄏᄏ

16 Ways To Eat A Cicada

2011-06-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

CLICKY!

They've all lost their minds.......

Happy Summer! *^^*

BOTM: Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

2011-06-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Reserved for epicness.

OMG!

2011-06-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to say I witnessed this. ♥

There were dozens and dozens out twirling around each other so elegantly. I thought nothing of it at first as I thought it was just your typical territorial dance between 2 males. But then there were more doing that same dance and I had to wonder what exactly was going on here?

So I continued to observe them and when I saw some mating that's when I knew what was going on. I got sentimental over it all as I've never had the pleasure/honor of witnessing something so beautiful. I'm extremely thankful. A further more detailed explanation (a.k.a Excited, slightly immature rambling) of it all can be found here.

I also got to hold a Painted Lady. 0_0 I don't need to say anymore on how EPIC this was other then it was flying around the water fountain by the baseball field and it practically walked onto my hand (I had bent down when it landed to see if I could get it on me)! I got to hold it twice.

*Happy happy sigh* I was in great need of this. Thank you & God bless you Lepidoptera.

Random Insecty Things (Links)

2011-06-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

8 Odd Ways To Get Rid of Ants

I wonder if I should add a couple of ants to my Hall of Shame list I'll be posting???

Catonephele Images (Butterfly)

I think some of these are wrong......obviously. -_-

Cincindela Online

Amazing! They have books that I would love to have......unfortunately it's a European site with (obviously) European currency. -_-

I wonder if Amazon has any of these books? I certainly hope so!

Reserved

2011-06-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

Reserved. =)

Reserved

2011-06-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

Reserved. =)

Reserved

2011-06-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Reserved. =)

Reserved

2011-06-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Reserved. =)

Microlepidoptera OMG!

2011-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Listing the species:

Episcada apuleia (Hewitson, 1868) Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru
Pteronymia alida (Hewitson, 1855) Mexico to Bolivia including Venezuela,Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Pteronymia teresita (Hewitson, 1863) ssp. thabena (Hewitson, 1869) Ecuador
Pteronymia dispaena (Hewitson, 1876) Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru
Pteronymia teresita (Hewitson, 1863) Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru
Pteronymia teresita (Hewitson, 1863) ssp. denticulata Haensch, 1905 Bolivia
Pteronymia alida (Hewitson, 1855) ssp. zabina (Hewitson, [1857]) Colombia
Pteronymia artena (Hewitson, [1855]) valid name for Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama
Pteronymia artena (Hewitson, [1855]) valid name for tigranes Godman & Salvin, [1879] Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama
Pteronymia simplex (Salvin, 1869) Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala
Pteronymia artena (Hewitson, [1855]) Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia
Pteronymia cotytto (Guérin-Méneville, [1844]) Mexico, Panama
Pteronymia alissa (Hewitson, 1869) Ecuador, Bolivia, Trinidad, Colombia,Venezuela
Pteronymia alissa (Hewitson, 1869) andreas (Weeks, 1901) valid name for andreas of authors Ecuador, Bolivia
Pteronymia primula (Bates, 1862) valid name for tenuis Haensch, 1905 Brazil(Amazonas), Colombia
Pteronymia primula (Bates, 1862) ssp. auricula Haensch, 1905 Colombia
Pteronymia aletta (Hewitson, [1855]) subsp. lilla (Hewitson, 1856) Ecuador
Pteronymia aletta (Hewitson, [1855]) subsp. agalla Godman & Salvin, [1879]
Pteronymia laura (Staudinger, 1885) Colombia
Pteronymia euritea (Cramer, [1780]) Brazil
Episcada hemixanthe (C. & R. Felder, 1865) Brazil
Pteronymia sao (Hübner, [1813]) ssp. antisao (Bates, 1862) Brazil(Amazonas)
Pteronymia medellina Haensch, 1905 Colombia
Pteronymia ticida (Hewitson, 1869) Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia,Venezuela
Pagyris cymothoe (Hewitson, [1855]) Venezuela, Colombia, Peru. Ecuador
Pagyris cymothoe (Hewitson, [1855]) subsp. sylvella (Hewitson, 1868) Ecuador
Veladyris pardalis (Salvin, 1869) Ecuador, Peru
Velamysta pupilla (Hewitson, 1874) subsp. cruxifera (Hewitson, 1877) Ecuador
Velamysta peninna (Hewitson, 1855) Peru. Bolivia
Velamysta pupilla (Hewitson, 1874) Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia
Aeria eurimedia (Cramer, [1777]) Mexico - Colombia, Guianas, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela
Aeria eurimedia (Cramer, [1777]) subsp.agna Godman & Salvin, [1879] Nicaragua - Panama, Venezuela
Aeria olena Weymer, 1875 .Brazil to NE.Argentina
Brevioleria coenina (Hewitson, 1869) Ecuador
Hypoleria lavinia (Hewitson, [1855]) vanilia (Herrich-Schäffer, 1865) Colombia
Hypoleria sarepta (Hewitson, [1852]) subsp. virginia (Hewitson, [1853]) Brazil(Amazonas)
Brevioleria aelia (Hewitson, 1852) subsp. orolina (Hewitson, [1861]) Brazil(Amazonas), Peru

You know I'll be researching these. Not all at once of course. :P Moderation. *^^*

Onion Plant Bugs Labopidicola, Labopidea

2011-05-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

So one of these decided to pay me a visit early this morning (06-01-11) and I went looking to see if I can pin it to an ID and came up with Labopidea, Labopodicola (what the difference is between the 2 I have no idea). Only difference with mine is that mine was a darker green then in the photos I found on Bugguide.

Of course there's a possibility (with Mirids it's hard because it's the largest Hemipteran genius) it was something else. What that something else is well.......it could be:

Orthotylus sp.
Ilnacorella sulcata, other green Ilnacorella?
Blepharidopterus sp.
Or this? Which hasn't been ID'd yet.....

Will continue looking for other possible candidates. There's also a nice PDF on them here.

You shall be updated!

Korean Bug Sites!! 한국 곤충 블로그/싸이트

2011-05-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

대~~~~~~~~~박! 대박이당~~!

I found these (06-01-11):

몸은 비록 멀리 있어도 항상 가까은 곳에... Linky!
곤충 나라 식물 나라 Linky!

아주 행복해요~*.* 공부!!! 공부 열심히해요! 홧팅!

Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris)

2011-05-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this yesterday and mistook this for a honey bee. Come to think of all my other "Honey Bees" that were way too big to be honey bees might have been these fellas. =)

These are native to Europe (obviously introduced here :P) where they have 6 different color forms. =O I wonder which one was mine? Mine had white fuzz around the abdomen kinda like this one.

They're cute but they like destroying daffodils.......we can't have that in my garden (if/whenever I get one). *^^*

The adult M. equestris feeds on the pollen and nectar of flowers from the genera Lilium and Narcissus.

The larvae of these flies are known pests found on the bulbs of these flowers, leading to the names bulb fly and Narcissus fly. This is unlike most other members of the family, which predate on aphids.

Interesting! From Wikipedia obviously.....do extra research!! I can only do so much with limited knowledge on these and the genius in general. :P

I'll see if I can spot some more?

$JACKPOT$

2011-05-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

So I went to the park today finally!! It's been too long and was GREATLY rewarded with members of the Lepidoptera family (I thank you greatly):

1. Tiger Swallowtail ANOTHER ONE! That makes 3 altogether I've seen around my neighborhood. Starting to keep track now.

2. A Comma or a Fritillary? 90% it was a comma. Little sneaky bugger was too fast for me to get a good look at it.

3. Eastern Tailed Blue?

4. Mating hoverflies?

And a hoverfly mimicking a honeybee.........RESEARCH!! I'll get back to you! ^___________^

Flowers:

Deutzia gracilis
Philadelphia Orange
Mystery Flower #1
Mystery Flower #2 Looks like Ajuga sp. but isn't. X_X

Wicked Bugs! >:)

2011-05-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Oh Ho~!

This. Is. Epic.! A special thanks to AOL for directing me to this epic trailer due to them featuring a brief article here. And then there's this too from which I read that epic excerpt from this book that's about to become apart of my collection of epic insect books.

Wicked Bugs is like an updated version of Nick Arnold's Ugly Bugs except it's not "kiddified" if you get my drift. Both are epic but Amy's is more of the "adult version" at least to me.

You can be sure that I'll get my copy ASAP. Because when one of America's best selling writers that doesn't write about insects starts to.......you know it's gonna be epic!

Props to Amy!! You've gained another fan. Can't wait to read it all!

BOTM: Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

2011-05-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

Argynnis paphia F. valensina

These are on the cover of A World For Butterflies by Phil Schappert which I received on the 17th. It's a gorgeous book and I highly recommend it.

Now on to my ramblings about 2 very important things that I noticed:

1. There's quite a bit of info on Wikipedia but it's not cited with references or sources so I won't be posting anything from there on here. I will be linking it though.

2. From what I understand there seems to be 2 forms of the female....unless the 'F' stands for 'form' there's the regular orange color and this one (pictured) named valensina.

Upon searching for info elsewhere I found this.

Apparently Valesina is the name of the dark form of the females. Coolies!

A spectacular form of this butterfly, known as valesina, occurs in a small percentage of females, primarily in the larger colonies in the south of England, where the orange-brown colouring is replaced with a deep olive-green.

The legendary lepidopterist, Frederick William Frohawk, was so taken with this form, that he named his only daughter after it. This form is quite distinctive in flight, looking like an overgrown Ringlet, and has the common name of the “Greenish Silver-washed Fritillary”

- UK Butterflies

On a side note I'll be look at that site even further because it has pictures and videos of butterflies. For A. paphia it also lists the aberrations too.

Will be checking the site out further. Awesomeness.

Hall of Shame Rant

2011-04-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sitting here thinking about who else should be on here besides the obvious?

1. Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) *These guys just might get more then one entry too.
2. German Cockroaches (Blatella germanica)
3. Asian Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) *Yes people we're mentioning them yet again.....
4. Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae) *I know what you're thinking...a butterfly?! You'd be surprised

Any more suggestions? I need a bit of help here! *Researching* Shame the pic's not bigger. Heheehehe >:)

You'll be hearing from me soon on this. Hopefully starting it at least.

Happy April Fools Day!

2011-04-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Happy April Fools Day!

Not feeling it this year though. Or should I say that I didn't feel it this year because of a rather distressing situation I'm in that Idk when it'll be over and we'll have all the answers and everything. So this is just a fill in.

Working on filling in the month for April as I work on May. March is pretty much easier to do since I don't plan on going through the whole month. It would only hold things back even more. And I don't want that. Want to let you know that I am ok. Stressed but ok. As I type this I feel motivated......prepare for post spam!

Yippee!!

Oh~ I want these!

2011-03-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Books!

CLICKY!

Books on the butterflies and moths of Malaysia, Singapore, & Thailand. I want these. Must go look on Amazon/B&N. Hopefully I can get some.

Can never have enough books. Which reminds me, I have to list the rest of my collection. *^^*

Toodles!

Miniscule Series - A Cruel World

2011-03-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sadly this one was non embeddable by request. >:( Nevertheless:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adidjZvVreE

Will be edited once I find one that's embeddable.

Download: A Cruel World

Yosemite Cave Pseudoscorpion (Parabisium yosemite)

2011-03-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

This was just "recently" (last year) discovered. And it's also about time for an arachnid entry too don't you think?

Clicky!

Provides info on them in general too. Would post it here but Idk if it's "copyrighted" and I'd get sued or something. :P

Can't risk that. *^^*

Pseudopontia, Pseudopontiinae

2011-03-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Pseudopontia paradoxa. Holy FUCK it looks like a fairy! It's sooo prettyyy! *.*

Oh~ Just discovered these!

Clicky! Also a list of species and subspecies (apparently) here. These are unique among butterflies because while it's considered a true butterfly it lacks the characteristic clubbed antenna!

Remember what I said? "Never assume anything.......blah blah" This is amazing!

So exiciting! Going to see if I can find anything on these. I wonder what the caterpillars look like. I would love to see one of these in person someday.......♥

BOTM: Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae)

2011-03-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

These really don't need an introduction do they? I mean everyone has seen them yes (whether or not they know the name of them or not) so I guess it's time to educate people then! I'll be learning right along with you as I've learned somethings I didn't know already.

Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae) are the first butterflies I see here every Spring. Before the Sulphers, Admirals, Eastern Tailed Blues, Monarchs, & Silver Spotted Skippers, these are the butterflies that more or less say "Hello again we've missed you" first. :P

I really would like to know about their biology though. Like what's unique about them in their mating/courtship rituals. Do they have any even? What I have noticed in my observations over the years is that when they really start coming out (I've seen three so far) if 2 butterflies "bump" into each other they'll start spiraling in circles around each other flying upwards.

It's simply gorgeous to watch. ♥ I remember researching that some years ago and learning that that's when 2 males are "fighting" for their territory. One invades the others space and the other is like "get out" and then the "fighting" ensues.

I'll have to re-look that up again and get back to you but for now:

The Small White (Pieris rapae) is a small- to medium-sized butterfly species of the Yellows-and-Whites family Pieridae. It is also commonly known as the Small Cabbage White and in New Zealand simply as white butterfly. The names "Cabbage Butterfly" and "Cabbage White" can also refer to the Large White.

It is widespread across Europe, North Africa and Asia and has also been accidentally introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand where they have become pests on cultivated cabbages and other mustard family crops.

Like its close relative the Large White this is a strong flier and the British population is increased by continental immigrants in most years. Adults are diurnal and fly almost exclusively during mid-day, though it appears as if there is some activity in the later part of the night too, ceasing as dawn breaks.

^ OMG at the last. I had no idea they were somewhat active at night either! But since these came from Wikipedia I'll be doing extra research on that later.

Also as you now know they go by a plethora of other names. Carolina Science lists them as Brassica butterflies due to them feeding and sometimes being a pest of plants in the Brassicaceae family (Cabbages, etc.) which makes sense but I've never seen them listed elsewhere with that name so I find it strange.

I will look into that as well. *^^* Aaahh research again! Feels good. But for now I advice you to do extra research!! Feel free to correct anything here or provide additional info!

Until next time! Must go work on more entries. Rest of info: here.

Happy Spring!

2011-03-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

HAPPY SPRING!

First off I want to apologize for not updating this blog as frequently as I would like. I'm in a rather yucky situation that I can't wait to get out of and atm all the stress has been keeping me from doing alot of things that I normally do.

But don't worry as I vow to complete this month as best I can. Starting with the most recent dates as possible.......or the most important and doing the other ones later as we're already in the middle of April (I will get to that too don't worry)!

I have buggy plans this year too. *^^* I hope that I will get to accomplish them.

Keep your fingers crossed!!! 화이팅~!

4월 13일 2011년

DO NOT WATCH THIS

2011-03-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Oh HELL no........

Warning: NOT for the queasy......

Idk why I even posted this........X_X *Dead*

Tracking Honeybees!

2011-03-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

So I went to the park again today and I saw 4-5 more honey bees. So that right there altogether is 10. Honestly I saw more in 2 days then I saw last year! Last year I saw only 3 the whole year! 0_0

This makes me very happy and it gives me hope.

Apis mellifera Count Spring 2011:

03-17-11: 4-5
03-18-11: 4-5
Total: 9/10 maybe more?.....

And in Korean:

Apis mellifera 꿀벌 봄 2011년:
3월17일 2011년: 4-5
3월18일 2011년: 4-5
총액: 9/10 또 과연.....?

꿀벌 축하합니다~ 화이팅 으쌰 으쌰! *^^*

BUGS!

2011-03-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

So Spring came three days early. 0_0

I went to my beloved park and it was rewarding me greatly:

4-5 or more HONEY BEES!

Carpenter Bee

Green Bottle Fly

Some other bee of some sort

*Drum Roll*

A BUTTERFLY! YAAAAAAAAAY! A cabbage white to be precise!

Hooray! Will be keeping track of the honey bees this year!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2011-03-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

생일축하합니다
생일축하합니다
사랑하는 브리타니
생일축하합니다 Korean Birthday song! *^^*

축하해요! 19년후 우와~! o(^▽^)o

Reserved

2011-02-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

Will work on this month later. I should start filling in for March. Starting with my most recent buggy adventures.

03-21-11

Insects Galore!

*Rant*

Obsessed?

Fireflies

The extremely long-tongued Neotropical butterfly Eurybia lycisca (Riodinidae): Proboscis morphology and flower handling

Mystery Dream Satyrid

Homopteran Dreams

Mystery Pyralid Moth

Teinopalpus imperialis

Going On Strike

Chasing Monarchs

Cattlehearts (Parides sp.)

Mystery Butterfly #2 Mechanitis sp.

Reserved

Rant

(Buggy) Resolutions

Happy New Year *Rant*

2011 Buggy Highlights And A Letter to Lepidoptera

A Field Guide To The Insects of Morningside Park Part 2

Mystery Danaid Butterfly Danaus vulgaris?

Heliconius erato.......Which one?

곤충학!

NHM Butterflies: Ulysses/Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses)

Merry Christmas!

A Very Lepidoptery Christmas

Random Photos

*Speechless*

Books! (Lepidoptery Buggy Goodness) ♥

The Jumping Cockroach: Saltoblattella montistabularis

Nesting Behavior of Abispa ephippium

Scarites subterraneus

The Sesiidae Sessiions--Using Pheromones to attract Clearwings

Pieridae Wonders: Blue Albatross (Appias celestina)

♥More Butterflies♥

Mystery Butterfly #1

NHM Butterflies: The Great Mormon (Papilio memnon)

Out With a Bang + Crittercams!

NHM Butterflies: Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima)

NHM Butterflies: Green Banded Swallowtail (Papilio phorcas)

NHM Butterfly Exhibit Expedition #2

Spiders!

Buggy Rant

NHM Butterfly Exhibit: Buckeyes & Chocolate Pansies

NHM Butterfly Exhibit: Saturniid Mania Part 1

NHM Butterfly Exhibit

Reserved

Hermit Crabs

Bzzzzzzzzz Busy!

Honeybees!

The Insects of Morningside Park

Epic Observations

The Hall of Shame - Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)

Psychodidae Invasion

I'm Alive :P

☆ SPECIAL NOTICE! ☆

The Great Carpenter Bee Mystery

Cicada Mania Part 2

The Celastrina Mystery

Epicness!

Mystery Solved?

Hall of Shame Introduction

Cicada Mania Part 1

Green Cloverworm (Hypena scabra)

MONARCHS & DRAGONFLIES GALORE!!

BOTM: Hemaris thysbe

Reddish-Brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus)

Halysidota Harrisii (Yippee)!!

Pseudopontia's Twin Sister!!

Lepidoptera-y Goodness!!

Red and Green Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea)

Mystery Bees.......*Rant*

*EPIC!*

Epic!

16 Ways To Eat A Cicada

BOTM: Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

*OMG!*

Random Insecty Things (Links)

Reserved

Reserved

Reserved

Rant

Happy New Year Rant

Speechless

Mystery Bees.......Rant

EPIC!

OMG!