Our summer pictures include two of Monarch caterpillars (one just a day old) as well as a Robber Fly feasting on a smaller fly and two of toads in the woods. Plus check out the photo of walking sticks that are available in the woods. Use them and then leave them at the trail signs for others to use.
Milkweed and Monarchs in Omena Woods. Thanks to John Putnam for this video. He explains “
The video shows the same patch of milkweeds that I found last year loaded with caterpillars. And guess what, it appears to be loaded again.” Milkweed is crucial to Monarch caterpillar development and survival.
Check out this day old Monarch caterpillar - just 1/8 of an inch long!
This photo of a robber fly, named the Black-thighed Bladetail (Machimus notatus), was taken in the Meadow The robber fly is feasting on a smaller unidentified fly. Like many robber flies, this one is an ambush predator. It flies out from perches to capture nearby prey. After catching its prey, the robber fly impales it with its mouth parts and injects digestive juices. Then, it sucks the nutritious slurry out, leaving behind an essentially empty husk. Thanks to John Putnam for this photo and explanation.
