Category Archives: Insects
Grasshopper Versus Tree Dahlia
Grasshoppers are everywhere this year. This plague of insects has frequently been seen on the Tree Dahlias. Tree Dahlias are not hardy here and have to be dug up every fall and replanted in the spring. So far they have not flowered in our climate.
Curly Poplar
I found a caterpillar on my Curly Poplar. The caterpillar wanted to blend in, but this tree is not as green as others.
American Dagger Moth Caterpillar
Some fuzzy individuals I found on a Lombardy Poplar:
Laurel Sphinx
Found this Laurel Sphinx(Sphinx kalmiae) on the porch. The larvae feed on Lilacs and Ash trees, which there are many around the house.
Sphinx Moth
Sphinx Moths are a common sight on the farm. They are the largest moth here and the caterpillars are voracious eaters.
Metallic Blue Worms
I found an attractive insect in the flower garden. There were many of these larvae on the Goldenrod(Solidago). They are the larvae of Goldenrod Leaf Beetle.
Grasshopper Plague
Grasshoppers have been numerous this summer.
Mantis Egg Invasion
I have been buying mantis egg cases the past few seasons to help with insect pests. The female mantises made a lot of egg cases last fall. Now that the leaves have fallen off the bamboo, I can see these Asian insects spent some time in this familiar grass.
Apple Flea Beetle
I saw a lot of green beetles chewing on apple leaves. They are called Apple Flea Beetles and jump when my hand got near them.