Goldrenrod Galls – Sept 17 2008

Here are good examples of insect galls on goldenrod. 

The top bushy gall is caused by the goldenrod gall gnat which stops further stem growth.

Other galls are the spherical bulges lower on the stem of the plant called goldenrod ball galls.  Created by the gall fly larva, these homes are invaded by birds in the winter like chickadees and downy woodpeckers.  It’s even possible to identify which type of bird ate which larva by the hole that is left on the gall.  These larva are also invaded by ice fisherman who use the larva as bait.

The goldenrod gall moth also produces a gall that is elliptical in shape.  Here’s a how it avoids freezing to death in the winter.

Goldenrod seems to have a difficult life.

If you’re interested in more information I’d suggest “The book of Field and Roadside” by John Eastman.  It’s an excellent resource concerning plants and there common insect associates.

For more on goldenrod galls

 

Praying Mantis – Sept 17 2008

I find this praying mantis in the meadow just east of the red oak preserve.

Insects on goldenrod – Sept 16 2008

Insects seem to love goldren at this time of the year.

Caterpillars on Mulberry – Sept 15 2008

 

Burying Beetle Eating a Mouse – September 10, 2008

As I’m walking home I spot the carcass of a mouse. It is moving slightly. I take a closer look and I spy two beetles(hairy burying beetles I presume) digging underneath the mouse. I realize that this is the same insect that I had observed on July 17, 2008. Golden Nature Guide (p112)states that there have been reports that some of the larger of these beetles …”dig under the carcass o f a small animal till it falls into the hole and is actually buried to serve as food for the larvae…” Very interesting.

Spider Eating a Walkingstick – Sept 5, 2008

As I’m heading home from work I notice this spider eating a walkingstick just outside the nature center. This seems like quite a good size meal for this spider.

Bumblebee on flower – August 30 2008

 

Dragonfly on my house – August 26 2008

 

Creature’s Columbine Cocoon – August 16 2008

 

Moth with Orange Eye Shine – July 24 2008

I see this moth on my bedroom window and I want to get a picture of the orange eyeshine of this creature. It’s not a very good picture but it’s the best I could get. I believe that the reason that the eyes glow is that they have a tapetum lucidum (reflective mirror at the back of the eye) to increase their ability to see in low light situations.