Flower Tumbling Beetle probably genus Mordella that I found on the Goldenrod outside our house.
Green Emerald moth that visited our bathroom wall the other night. Look at its pink face and outline. It truly looks like a creature out of a fairytale.
Kenny called me into the bathroom the other night and once I arrived he pointed to our wall at this beautiful creature and simply said “Look, pretty.” This is definitely a Geometer Moth known as a Green Emerald. I’m having trouble distinguishing which one. The closest matches I’ve found so far is the Southern Emerald (Synchlora frondaria) or the Columbian Emerald Moth (Nemoria darwiniata).
Oscar’s nature inspired pieces are always so beautiful and this year’s were no exception. I especially love the gold spider necklace! I look forward to seeing his stuff every year at the bug fairs. You can follow him here or order and see more of his jewelry at Our Family Jewels. You’ll love his work!
I at first assumed this was a Hoverfly larva munching on all the aphids that cover the wild Mustard outside of my house, then I saw legs! On closer inspection, I believe it is a Lacewing Larva (see the large pincher-like jaws near the head?) who are every bit as deadly to pesky aphids and should be welcomed just as much as Ladybugs in your garden!
His coloring reminds me of mint chocolate chip.
I didn’t think this was another Glassy Winged Sharpshooter because the ones I usually find at CSUN’s botanical gardens lack this red coloration. According to bugguide it does look to be Homalodisca vitripennis just like the other ones I’ve found.
Beneficial Bug of The Day: Long-Legged Flies in the Genus Dolichopodidae
I see these pretty little flies often darting among the leaves at CSUN. I was quite surprised to learn they are beneficial predators. According to my Kauffman Guide they dine on mites, aphids and smaller flies. So not only are they easy on the eyes with their metallic bodies but they’re also good for your garden!
