Well, it looks as if yesterday’s post fell on its face. I hope you like this one a little better. 🙂
The other day, Steve Schwartzman suggested that I share some Black-eyed Susan images in the comments on his post of the same subject. In searching my library on WP, I was surprised that I have not shared any until now. So here is a collection of a few images of Rudbeckia hirta.
Earlier this summer, as the buds were making their appearance, I found this dewy plant in the Brickyard Conservation Area.
Although not the same plant, this is also from Brickyard.
As is this. In that exchange of comments, the subject of a bit of a purple tone sometimes found on the cone containing the disk flowers was mentioned and it is evident in this image.
And finally…..the disk florets finding a new purpose.
That is a Wavy-lined Emerald moth larva (Synchlora aerata) from a plant in my front yard a few years back. They, and others, gather up debris to disguise themselves from predators and photographers.
I had thought my post for today would be of this morning’s setting full moon. But our milky sky prevented that. I hope to fare better tonight and have something to share from that and tomorrow morning and evening as well.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
These excellent views of Rudbeckia hirta aren’t rude, do beckon, and don’t hurt a bit. That wavy-lined emerald moth larva is something else, literally and colloquially. Nice going.
LikeLike
Thanks, Steve. Such an imagination….I’d never make those word connections, but I like them.
I’ve yet to see the adult moth, but maybe one of these days. I may have to stay up after dark.
LikeLike
What a great confirmation of that element of purple in the bloom. It’s very pretty. On the other hand, my favorites are the dew-covered bud and the floret-covered larva. If I had to choose a favorite, I’d go with the larva, because it’s the most unusual. But I think I’ll just refuse to choose and admire all three.
LikeLike
Thank you, Linda. I am glad you like three out of the four. 🙂 I had another with a crab spider awaiting pray, but thought that might have too scary an undertone.
I had never seen a Synchlora caterpillar before that and did not recognize it at all as a larva….until it moved. It just looked like a bit of debris that had landed on the flower. I’ve had a few moments of surprise when an “inanimate” object came to life.
LikeLike
Speaking of crabs…I got this action scene decades before using a reverse adapter, extension tubes, and slide film on my Pentax.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Oyun_Pt4FQMO6wP4xjSKtdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
LikeLike
I’ve a few of those Misumena vatias in action also. Thye are able to take prey much larger than themselves which is always amazing to see. Ambush Bugs are able to do so also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The third is my favorite … something about the low angle is appealing. And, look at this hairs stand out. Really beautiful shots. D
LikeLike
Thanks. That is my favorite of the bunch, although I do like them all, each for a different reason.
LikeLike
I love these Steve. The larva is spectacular. Why hide it for so long???
LikeLike
Thanks, Andrew. It hasn’t been hidden, just not here. 🙂
LikeLike
I use to pick favorites and I have come to realize how limiting and pointless that was. I really enjoy your photos, I enjoy the beautiful color, the interesting detail, and I find something in each that really captures my attention…Great job.
LikeLike
Thank you, Charlie. Picking favorites doesn’t bother me and I have my own among the images I post. But each does have its own story which I hope gets across to viewers. I am glad you see some merit in each which adds to my pleasure of sharing these.
LikeLike
Way cool, Steve.
LikeLike
Thanks, Eb. I am glad these are pleasing you.
LikeLike
The moth larva and its superb camouflage. What ingenuity! It’s so whacky. I wonder what they roll in to be able to pick up the debris. I’d love a giant one in my house to pick up all the dust and dog hair 😀
LikeLike
Yeah, that one kind of steals the limelight a bit. The caterpillar attaches bits of chewed up flower parts to spiny projections, so it is possible that there is something in its mouth that moistens the bits as they are chewed which helps them stick….or not.
This is Synchlora aerata, but maybe over there you might find a Synchlora dysonii. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous all! My favourite is number two. The lava is really quite amazing.
LikeLike
😆 At first I thought number two reminded you of a volcano, Rod. Then I realized it was your phone talking. 🙂
Thanks.
LikeLike
What a silly Rs to leave out. Makes me one two 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: The sincerest form of flattery | Welcome to Pairodox Farm