insect

Finding bugs

/ Rebecca / 10 Comments

Occasionally during the summer a climbing milkweed vine will spring up in our backyard and cover another already established plant.  Though considered a problem weed, sometimes I allow it to stay around for a while because I enjoy observing the variety of native insects that are attracted by its strongly scented, tiny white flowers and sappy stems.

“Leave part of the yard rough.  Don’t manicure everything.  Small children in particular love to turn over rocks and find bugs, and give them some space to do that …”  ~Richard Louv

Common buckeye

/ Rebecca / 8 Comments

There were a number of buckeye butterflies fluttering about the tall grass that was growing along the Mississippi levee.  Occasionally they would alight for a short rest (and a photo) before continuing on their way.

“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.”  ~Unknown

Floating along

/ Rebecca / 6 Comments

An Eastern Amberwing dragonfly floating along atop a dried leaf at Reelfoot Lake.

“Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose.  Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready.  When an opportunity comes you can grab it.”  ~Julie Andrews

Attracted to the Mistflowers

/ Rebecca / 4 Comments

As you drive along the country roads of West Tennessee in the late summer and autumn, you are likely to see a burst of pale bluish-purple wildflowers growing along the way.  The Mistflower grows in clusters, and its fluffy-looking flowers are magnets for butterflies, moths and other insects which are attracted to its nectar.

“There are many things in life that will catch you eye, but only a few will catch your heart.  Pursue these.”  ~Michael Nolan

Busy pollinators

/ Rebecca / 2 Comments

Presently, the fragrant flowers of the White Snakeroot plant can be seen along the edges of the road, especially flourishing in the filtered sunlight of the tall oak trees.  Being one of the last wildflowers to bloom in the autumn, it provides a valuable source of nectar for a variety of busy insects.

“It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy.  The bee is praised.  The mosquito is swatted.”  ~Mary Flannery O’Connor

Enjoying the Sedum Plants

/ Rebecca / 7 Comments

This is the time of year when the sedum plants are in bloom.  I particularly enjoy the late afternoon, when the sun brings out the colors in the star-shaped flowers and a variety of small insects stop by for a visit.

“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.” ~Pliny the Elder (Roman Scholar)