The Vulgar Eclectic

Tag: bug

  • Another beetle

    I found this little guy on the floor. Part of one of its front legs is missing. After scooping him up, I put him in the terrarium we have. I figured he might do better in there where there is good coverage and food. I’ve been noticing him (or another beetle) in the mornings eating…

  • Katydid

    I discovered this critter while moving some scrap pieces of siding a few mornings ago. It was on the underside of the board, seeking refuge from the overnight freeze. I believe it is a broad-winged katydid (Microcentrum rhombifolium). It’s beautiful and delicate-appearing green, leaf-like wings are a great example of an insect using mimesis.

  • Triangulate Cobweb Spider

    I’ve had the same dresser since junior high. It’s a beautiful, old, unfinished wood dresser. In a few spots, if you look closely, you can tell that it was once painted a light green. I think my parents might have stripped it when they picked it up somewhere, but I’m not sure. I had moved…

  • Red Milkweed Beetle

    I came across this red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) while on a walk a few evenings ago. They are part of the milkweed ecosystem and not harmful to milkweed plants or monarch butterflies. The beetles are adapted to eat the milkweed plant, which is toxic to many species of animals. Because they ingest these toxins,…

  • Little guy

  • Terrarium update

    I was away for about two weeks and was concerned what state the bug terrarium would be in upon my return. Thankfully, all seems well. There are so many roly polies…still a little concerned about overpopulation and think a centipede might be a beneficial addition. The Japanese beetle and the green stink bug are alive…

  • Bug terrarium

    My daughter and I have been keeping a bug terrarium for the last several weeks. It began as a roly-poly and springtail habitat but the list of inhabitants has now grown to include a Japanese beetle, a little spider, fungus gnats (unintentional tenants), a giant black beetle (that I think is a desert stink beetle?),…

  • Profiles in hopping

    Here’s a grasshopper hanging out near our front door, catching some sun and casting a sharp shadow. I believe it’s a Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis).

  • Monarch caterpillar

    On a walk around midday today, we came across a couple of monarch caterpillars eating milkweed.

  • Another bee and flower

    I took a nice walk yesterday afternoon. It was overcast and cool for most of the walk; towards the end the sun emerged with a late summer warmth. After passing through the park, I followed an alley for a long block. It’s a route I like to frequent because there is a beautiful garden along…