Photo Journal: Bugs & Botany

The creepy crawlers have been plentiful this year. Everyday that I work outside, I find a new critter to marvel at. I have seen quite a few cicadas and cicada killers. The butterflies have been fluttering about and I have even seen a group of hummingbird moths this year. There has been an abundance of spiders as well!

With all this rain we have been getting, the gardens are full and vibrant. I can’t help but take a photo everytime I’m outside. I have compiled a few of my favorite bug and botany photos from the season. What a beautiful year!

 

Swamp Cicada or Morning Cicada (Neotibicen tibicen tibicen)

Swamp Cicada or Morning Cicada (Neotibicen tibicen tibicen)

Snow on the Mountain (Euphorbia Marginata)

Cicada, latin for “tree cricket”

Salsa Red Cone Flower (Echinacea)

Cicada Killer (Sphecius Speciosus)

Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Lophocampa Caryae) Be careful around these guys and don’t touch them! Their hairs will get stuck in your skin and irritate you the same way poison ivy will! Itchy!!

Purple Vein Ray Petunia

Striped Petunias – Petunias originated in South America and there 35 different species.

A Bumblebee enjoying Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

 

Lantana camara

Lantana camara

Black Swallowtail, female (Papilio polyxenes) also known as American Swallowtail or Parsnip Swallowtail.

Knock Out Roses, a hybrid from the Rosa genus.

Unidentified Moth, possibly a White-streaked Prominent – (Oligocentria lignicolor)

Thanks for stopping by this week! I hope you enjoyed my collection. If anyone can identify that last moth, please feel free to leave a comment below! Or if you have any stories about creepy crawlies you have seen this summer, please share!

Until next time,

“Ladies and gentlebugs! Larvae of all stages! Rub your legs together for the world’s greatest bug circus!”

Bloom where you are planted.