Here are some critter pictures: I wanted to avoid doing some work (grading papers), so this is a nice distraction. Recently hatched nymphs. Possibly young leaf-footed bugs...

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Here are some critter pictures

Apr 1, 2023 15:08:11 #

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I wanted to avoid doing some work (grading papers), so this is a nice distraction.

Recently hatched nymphs. Possibly young leaf-footed bugs, Acanthocephala sp.

Hatched nymphs by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Robber flies. I can't even narrow down the genus of them, though.

Robber flies by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Two-spotted tree cricket nymph, Neoxabea bipunctata.

Two-spotted tree cricket by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Goldenrod leafminer, Microrhopala vittata. I thought getting an ID would be iffy, but once again just a vague search in BugGuide and in seconds ...

Goldenrod leafminer by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Oh well, back to it. **Sigh**.

Apr 1, 2023 15:39:00 #

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Stunning pictures Mark. Very nice work!

Apr 1, 2023 16:30:51 #

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Another great set Mark

Apr 1, 2023 22:51:35 #

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

A really nice set, Mark.

Apr 1, 2023 23:44:02 #

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Yep! They look like critters to me! Really nice job here!

Apr 2, 2023 00:31:10 #

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Thank you, everybody!

Apr 2, 2023 07:08:36 #

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Terrific series.

Apr 2, 2023 08:40:03 #

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Excellent images.

Apr 2, 2023 09:12:33 #

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Image 1. Nymphs, were impressive because they are rarely seen and are so spiky and colorful.
Image 2. Was blank... perhaps it was sexual and censored by the State of Florida.

Image 3. Obviously the head of a snake or young alligator... [Sorry, my brain fried by heat of Florida]
Image 4. Very clear prompting me to wonder why in survival of the fittest the two light colored stripes are on
the Goldenrod leafminer back??

Apr 2, 2023 10:26:56 #

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

dpullum wrote:

Image 1. Nymphs, were impressive because they are ... (show quote)

Image 2 seems fine. Maybe it's taking long to load? Anyone else?
Image 4: One has to wonder why some animals have markings that they can't see or seem to even need. My hand- waving answer is that in the halls of academic discussion about evolution, we find the view that not all characteristics need to be the direct result of natural selection. A classical example are the species-specific shapes of leaves of trees. We find that the broad shapes of leaves are clearly useful for capturing sunlight. The narrowed tips of leaves directs water drops to efficiently shed away, and this provides great relief for the leaves and branches after a rain. Even the various lobes and gaps in leaves are useful to allow sunlight to filter deeper into the canopy. But why should different species of maple leaves have distinctly different shapes? They are all clearly good enough. Equal. So why be different? The idea is that not every trait is directly the result of natural selection.

Apr 2, 2023 11:16:44 #

bdridaho

Mark Sturtevant wrote:

....... So why be different? The idea is that not every trait is directly the result of natural selection.

Maybe a little too over generalized (or incomplete) statement. Perhaps a better response would be: in natural selection, traits can be selected FOR, or not selected AGAINST (neutral at a particular point in time)
Just a thought.....

Apr 2, 2023 14:33:50 #