What's Bugging You?

Well it's been a few (again) since I've posted.  I have good intentions but then time and distractions get the best of me and before I know it a month has gone by between posts.

 So today it's all about....Bugs

So last year we found loads of these caterpillars in the flower beds.  Some were green and some were black but they were all the same type of a caterpillar.  They turn into White Lined Sphinx Moths (also known as a hummingbird moth).
 

We never did see the moths and this year we haven't seen a single caterpillar.

 

Last year for one of the 52 Frames assignments I photographed a bunch of slugs trying to get one with a good shadow.  So while technically not a "bug" I'm sharing this shot.

 

 

Saw this pretty little butterfly on the rose bushes this summer.  I believe it's a Monarch butterfly but I could be wrong.  I was just excited to get a photograph of one.  Upon close examination you can see she has a slight tear in her lower right wing.

 

One day hubby came in and noticed this very weird looking bug sitting on his notebook.  We took some pictures and then set it free.  

 

 Turns out it was a, Banded Alder Borer Beetle.  The say it's black and white but the white color has a bluish tint to it in my opinion.  You can click on the link to read about them.  Weird and cool looking bug.

 

 We see these around here quite often.  Praying Mantis (Mantid)

This one was green.

 

 This one was brown and landed on Coleen/Jupiter's arm while she was out mowing.

 Praying Mantis Folklore

• The French once thought that a praying mantis would point a lost child home.
• In some parts of Africa, it is considered good luck if one of these curious creatures lands on you.
• The Greek word mantis means “prophet” or “seer.” Because of the way the insects hold up the fronts of their bodies and position their huge forelegs when at rest, it appears as though they are praying for insight.. 

 

 Recently spotted this lovely Katydid in the garden.  On the opposite side of the bloom was a very common insect/bug...

Yep, a fly.  I wonder if it became lunch for the Katydid!

Finally we have another, Cat-Faced Orb Weaver hanging around.  I've posted before about this type of spider.  You can read about it here - We find this type of a spider very fascinating to watch.

This one has spun quite the web and every night she comes out to wait for something to get caught in her web.  She's devoured several elder bugs and some aphids already.

Well if you aren't squeamish about bugs and critters then I hope you've enjoyed your visit here today.  If you are...I apologize for traumatizing you.  - Enjoy the rest of your day and don't let things,

"bug" you!