This is Part 2 of some things I saw in our backyard. Part 1 was about plants, and Part 2 is about things with multiple legs.
Every few years, after spending years underground, a major emergence of cicadas occurs somewhere. I have experienced these hordes of cicadas, and they are deafening, among other things. These cicada appearances get a lot of publicity.
However, there never seems to be a mention of the yearly cicadas like we have. And, quite frankly, I'm getting irritated with them. Their song is loud and annoying. I know the birds are still around, but I can't hear them over the cicadas.
Complaining is done, so here is the rest of the story. Cicadas don't cause major plant damage and serve as food for many birds I struggle to hear. (I admit all of this grudgingly, because I'm still annoyed, so maybe I'm not done complaining. 😀)
Anyway, now for a few pictures of some more things in my backyard.
A cicada hole that was made so it could emerge from the ground. It's about the diameter of a pencil. |
Molted cicada exoskeletons. This happens as the nymphs change into adults. |
Adult Linne's cicada. These are native to the eastern US and emerge every year. |
Moving on to other insects, this caterpillar was still wiggling, but the ants were able to drag it across the driveway. |
Transverse banded drone fly. These flies like nectar, much like the bees they are mimicking. |
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These surprise lilies don't have a bug on them for you to see. I forgot to include them in Part 1, so I'm including them here because they will be gone before I do my next backyard post. |
Until next time...
I like watching all the little critters in the yard, except for mosquitos and I hate them
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the mosquitos. It seems every time I go into the backyard, I get bitten. It's worse this year than it has been.
DeleteMy favorite picture is the one of the butterfly. You are a good photographer to capture that. But, I was most interested in seeing the spider web! I don't think I've ever seen a web like that. The poor caterpillar. Your surprise lilies are lovely. This month's photo challenge theme is living and I think your pictures would definitely qualify. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see one of your photo challenges, I think I'm going to participate. Maybe this will be the month. :)
DeleteBeautiful photos. So that's what a cicada looks like! I live in Montreal, Canada, and although I know they are around, I have never seen one close up. I live in a 6th floor apartment. Those things buzz when they are touched, I think! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThere are some cicadas that have big red eyes. Those look something out of a science fiction movie.
DeleteInteresting tour! I never think to take pictures of the bugs around here.
ReplyDeleteI like to take pictures of bugs if they hold still long enough. :)
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