Category Archives: Insect Behavior

09.25.2018 Small Surprises

Posted on September 25, 2018 by

A few days ago, while looking for some small orchids in North Quabbin, I came across this rotting pine stump covered with tiny mushrooms. It’s just an iPhone shot and didn’t get all the color as you’ll see. I went … Continue reading →

Posted in Closeup Photography, Fungi, Insect Behavior, Insects, macro photography, Mushrooms, Nature Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

09.10.2018 Our Neighborhood Assassin

Posted on September 10, 2018 by

Bug, that is. Pselliopus sp. with a dinner morsel on a milkweed pod. Well, maybe not everyone’s idea of cute as a bug in a rug, but the orange body and black and white leggings are kind of “adorable”.  🙂

Posted in Closeup Photography, ecology, Insect Behavior, Nature Photography | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

08.25.2018 Flying Flower Caterpillars

Posted on August 25, 2018 by

Well, I hinted to Ann (Gallivanta) earlier that I would post a flower today, but I’ll save those for later. I’ve been experiencing great luck with Monarch larvae this summer.  I know one perished for sure and am not sure … Continue reading →

Posted in Butterflies, Closeup Photography, ecology, Insect Behavior, Insects, Nature Photography, Western Massachusetts | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

09.25.2017 Red-spotted Purple

Posted on September 25, 2017 by

Sometimes it just takes a bit of luck.  On this particular day, I was walking a path to Quabbin’s shoreline with landscapes on my mind.  On the way out, I was gifted this opportunity.  The butterfly spent a fair amount … Continue reading →

Posted in Butterflies, Closeup Photography, Insect Behavior, Insects, Lepidoptera, Nature Photography, Western Massachusetts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

07.15.2017 My Holy Grail of Larvae

Posted on July 15, 2017 by

I think most everyone is aware of the decreasing Monarch Butterfly population.  As far as their caterpillars are concerned, I saw nary a one for the last three or so years and maybe one or two adults total during that … Continue reading →

Posted in Butterflies, Closeup Photography, ecology, Insect Behavior, Insects, Nature Photography, Western Massachusetts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

11.07.2016 Beauty amidst Death

Posted on November 7, 2016 by

This is part of a dead or dying stand of Red Pines (Sylvestres resinosa) in the Quabbin Park area. The trees were infested by Red Pine Scale (Matsucoccus resinosae) which attacks them underneath the flaky bark. It was once a lovely … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn Color, Fall Foliage, Insect Behavior, Landscape, Nature Photography, Quabbin, Western Massachusetts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

07.21.2016 Brilliant Beetle

Posted on July 21, 2016 by

One of my favorite insects to photograph is the Dogbane Leaf Beetle (Chrysochus auratus).  They are quite accommodating in the morning and allow for close approach and hardly move…just the occasional twitch of the antennae. They are found on milkweed … Continue reading →

Posted in Amherst, Closeup Photography, Insect Behavior, Insects, macro photography, Nature Photography, Western Massachusetts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments