Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

First up is a male bluet damselfly. I think skimming bluet (?), Enallagma geminatum.
Skimming bluet by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Next is the nymph of the differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis). Why do they have that common name? No idea.
Differential grasshopper nymph by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr


When I was growing up, my favorite trees were the strange and beautiful catalpa trees, with their huge velvety leaves and masses of orchid-like flowers. In addition, they would commonly have large numbers of caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth (Ceratomia catalpae). These gregarious caterpillars were also beautiful; velvety black and brilliant yellow and white. They were also always heavily parasitized which added additional drama to just checking them out. But where I am now there are none of the caterpillars, even though the trees are fairly common. But my travels have taken me to a distant parks, and in some of them the caterpillars are found! Here is a very young one, not yet in full color, but I was very happy to see it. And now I know where to find them!
Young catalpa sphinx caterpillar by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr


Finally, yet another round-headed katydid nymph (Amblycorypha sp.), with a leafhopper photobomber. When this picture was taken I was minutes away from fulfilling one of my major goals in this hobby. A highlight of the entire summer. Stay tuned!
Round-headed katydid by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Your photos are great Mark..."When I was growing up, my favorite trees were the strange and beautiful catalpa trees, with their huge velvety leaves and masses of orchid-like flowers. In addition, they would commonly have large numbers of caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth (Ceratomia catalpae). "

Reflecting back on my "growing up" days in Grand Blanc the diversity of plants and insects was amazing compared to living here in Tampa. Grand Blanc was farmland back then. Things grew fast and summer was short. When little I harvested crickets in a screen box and my uncle paid me ... they were his fishing bate.

I can recall the night sounds sitting on the glider on the porch breaking string beans. I recall the big caterpillar tents up in the maple trees that we burned with a burning rag on a fishing pole. After WW2, we had DDT the salvation of the world's fight against Bugs.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

An excellent set my friend. Of course I'm partial to the geminatum. We are just starting to get our early season dragons and damsels along with a few migrants. In another few weeks we should be into flight season. Hoping to set up a trip to Florida to get together with my hunting partner. I have two dragon species I've been wanting to photograph for a long time. I hope this is the year. Take care.
>i< Doc

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Outstanding quality in these beautiful shots, Mark!

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

tinusbum Loc: east texas

i didnt used to appreciate the caterpillars as i do now,nice shootin

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Oh, what a beautiful Katydid nymph, I think these are the most beautiful of all insects. The Differential Grasshopper is obviously a 'cut' above the others.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Another masterfully taken series along with an enjoyable and educational narrative. Thanks for sharing.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Good info, great captures.