More drama on the apples
Dec 1, 2016 11:35:09 #
This will likely be my last installment of pictures about insects attracted to wind-fallen apples for a while. The fallen apples are nibbled on by squirrels, and that attracts insects (and me).
1. Very common were the winter ants (Prenolepis imparis), so-named because they are seen to be active even during the winter. Many have abdomens that were swollen with apple juice.
2. Of course I saw fruit flies. These look like Chymomyza amoena, and I think they were two males, strutting around and waving their wings to each other since there were no females at the moment to court.
3. Yellow jackets (Vespula flavopilosa) were common. Most encounters between these wasps were either peaceful, or one would simply fly off without making a thing of it. But for some reason these two were always fighting. No harm was done, but it was fun to watch.
4. Finally, there was the occasional paper wasp (Polistes bellicosus), and no one messed with them. A mere glance from one of these, and any interloping yellow jacket would vanish.
A final note: Hey, I finally figured out how to do italics in this place!
1. Very common were the winter ants (Prenolepis imparis), so-named because they are seen to be active even during the winter. Many have abdomens that were swollen with apple juice.
2. Of course I saw fruit flies. These look like Chymomyza amoena, and I think they were two males, strutting around and waving their wings to each other since there were no females at the moment to court.
3. Yellow jackets (Vespula flavopilosa) were common. Most encounters between these wasps were either peaceful, or one would simply fly off without making a thing of it. But for some reason these two were always fighting. No harm was done, but it was fun to watch.
4. Finally, there was the occasional paper wasp (Polistes bellicosus), and no one messed with them. A mere glance from one of these, and any interloping yellow jacket would vanish.
A final note: Hey, I finally figured out how to do italics in this place!
Dec 1, 2016 11:38:47 #
Dec 1, 2016 13:23:54 #
Dec 1, 2016 14:23:03 #
Dec 1, 2016 15:02:59 #
Dec 2, 2016 05:46:11 #
The Paper Wasp is my favourite but all are interesting as are all of your posts.
Dec 2, 2016 07:07:01 #
EnglishBrenda wrote:
The Paper Wasp is my favourite but all are interesting as are all of your posts.
Thank you!
Dec 3, 2016 20:40:40 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.