Jun 24 2021
Meadow Fritillary [Boloria bellona] on Butterfly-Weed [Asclepias tuberosa] photos were taken in our backyard in Fletcher, North Carolina on 24 June 2021. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 286, says “these aptly named butterflies occupy moist meadows associated with woodlands during summer.”
Sep 06 2020
Monarch caterpillars [Danaus plexippus] found in Fletcher, North Carolina on 14 September 2018, and in our backyard on 24 August 2019 and 6 September 2020. Also shown is caterpillar excrement, called “frass.” Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife, page 264, shows that this species can be found throughout the United States, southern Canada, and parts of …
Aug 22 2020
Cabbage White Butterfly [Pieris rapae] seen in Asheville, North Carolina near the French Broad River on 22 August 2020. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 266 says this species was introduced from Europe and “feeds on cabbages, nasturtiums, and other plants in the mustard family.”
Jul 16 2019
Polyphemus Moth [Antheraea polyphemus] photos were taken at Ridgefield Court, Asheville, North Carolina on 16 July 2019.
Aug 04 2017
Two-lined Spittlebug [Prosapia bicinta] photos were taken in Flat Rock, North Carolina on 4 August 2017, found on a side window of my vehicle. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 136, says “adults jump when they are disturbed; they also release a yellow fluid from the feet, which might …
Jul 02 2017
Hummingbird Moth [Hemaris thysbe] photos were taken near Fletcher Park on 2 July 2017. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 333 says “on spring and summer days, these moths hover over flowers in open habitats…”
Jun 17 2017
Boxelder Bugs [Boisea trivittata] were found at Carrier Park on Amboy Road in Asheville, North Carolina on 17 June 2017. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 128 says “adults and larvae take sap from seeds, flowers, and leaves, but cause little damage.”
Oct 03 2016
Broad-winged Katydid [Microcentrum rhombifolium] on 3 October 2016. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 97 says this insect “eats leaves in the crowns of deciduous trees and shrubs in wooded areas, parks, and neighborhoods.”
Sep 03 2016
A gathering of Eastern Tailed-Blue butterflies [Everes comyntas] found at Russian Chapel Hills Winery on 3 September 2016. The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page 280 says “these are the only tailed blue butterfly in the eastern United States.”
Jul 17 2016
Great Golden Digger Wasp [Sphex ichneumoneus] on Common Milkweed [Asclepias syriaca] atFletcher Park on 17 July 2016. The plant is a member of the Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) family. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, pages 264-265, states it’s a “coarse plant of fields of fields and roadsides.” The NWF Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America, page …
