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!

 

 

Songography (Two of Us) Edition and Scavenger Hunt Sunday - September 29, 2013

I'm back this week and on time for Songography and Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  -  We had a wonderful time at my niece's wedding.  My photo's for both meme's will highlight parts of our trip.

SONGOGRAPHY    -  Please join in the fun.  You can find all the participants on Kathy's blog, (You'll Shoot Your Eye Out) by clicking on the link.

This weeks song:  Two of Us by Aimee Mann.

Click to Enlarge All Photo's.

A view of the highway on our way back home.  If you look up on the top of that rock bluff you will see the Vista house.  - I took this out the front window while hubby was driving.  -  We certainly have shared a lot of memories together & made more with the rest of the family one this trip and back home.

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SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY - You can check out this fun meme on Ashley's blog, Ramblings and Photo's.

This weeks prompts:  Rule of Thirds, Made Me Smile, Lines, Alone and Together.

RULE OF THIRDS:  This is a photography rule and one that should be easy to master but I'm never really sure if I have it right or not. 

My great-nephew, Andrew was the Flower Boy/Ring Bearer at my niece, Krissy's wedding.  Shortly after this photo was taken he was dive bombed by Seagulls who thought he was dropping food on the sand!

MADE ME SMILE:  We spotted a man and his rather large dog while visiting Bonneville Dam on our way home Sunday afternoon.  He let us take some pictures and this one made me smile.  Check out the look in Coleen's eyes.

The dog's name was, Bear and he's an Alaskan Malamute.

LINES:  Spotted this creature in front of the Gift Shop.  I love the colorful lines on it's underbelly and the lines from the board it's crossing.

Turns out this is a, Red Slug also known as Arion Rufus  This thing was at least 3-4 inches long and a good inch wide.

ALONE:  This is one of my favorite images from our trip. 

This is my oldest brother Russell standing all alone looking out at the waves coming in off the ocean just before the wedding started.

TOGETHER:

My niece, Krissy & her new husband, Jeff united "together" in marriage on Saturday, September 21, 2013 -  This wasn't the official ceremony kiss photo but rather one taken after the ceremony and here they decided to rub noses, which I thought was rather cute and sweet.

That's it for this week.  Please stop by both these blogs and visit the other participants.  Thank you for stopping by my blog.  I will do my best to drop by yours and leave comments as time allows.