Saturday Critters: Today's Insects

Meadowhawk (Genus Sympetrum)

After four days of school, I am so tired! I have not visited a blog since Thursday night. Lucy insisted we go out and do a bug hunt this morning, so we did. I'm glad, because I got two good shots and some fun shots. We have three days off now, so today is rest, tomorrow is housework, and Monday is cooking and baking. Of course, blog visits are included. Oh, and lesson planning, too. 

Tricolored Bumble Bee (Bombus ternarius)

I did explain to Lucy that because of the cold nights now (in the forties), we won't see any bugs until at least 60°F (15°C), and hopefully more. It did hit 68°F today, and I was glad the insects were visiting the New England asters with their beautiful purple blossoms. 

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata)

The flies seemed to especially like the asters. And while some of them may seem "ugly," they are all pollinators.

Unidentified fly with pollen all over it

Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)

Tiger Fly (Genus Coenosia)
I think.

I hope all of you are having a marvelous end-of-summer weekend, and I pray the heat breaks for those of you suffering with it.

Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens)
Still buzz pollinating!

More critters

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A Couple of Bugs

Common House Fly (Musca domestica)

Green Stink Bug nymph (Chinavia hilaris)

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Some Bugs Around the House

horse fly

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Nasty fly

I enjoy photographing these flies and spiders. I'm not that good at it yet but I'm getting better. I have not bothered identifying any except for the deer fly (the identification has been confirmed by entymologists). The deer fly is nearly translucent.

Male spider

deer fly, genus Chrysops

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