Photo: Meadowood Recreation Area, Rusty Moran
During the pandemic we’ve had to cancel our regular wildlife surveys but some long-time participants are going out individually on an ad hoc basis to continue collecting data. Judy Gallagher is one of those folks who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species. Here are two observations from her most recent survey.
The Common Eastern Bumble Bee has a medium-length tongue which allows it to nectar from tubular flowers like this Lobelia. A short-tongued bee would find it challenging to get nectar from this flower. Note that the bumble bee has to rub up against the flower to get to the nectar. The pollen sticks to its copious "fur" and is transferred to the next flower the bee visits. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement; the bee gets nectar and the flower may be pollinated.
Common Eastern Bumblebee, Judy Gallagher
Spiny Assassin Bugs wait motionless for an unsuspecting insect to approach. They then use their incredible speed to chase down the poor victim, in this case a Spotted Cucumber Beetle. The Assassin Bug stabs the victim multiple times with its piercing-sucking mouthpart, injecting enzymes that liquify the Cucumber Beetle's insides. The Assassin Bug then sucks up its Beetle smoothie.
Spiny Assassin Bug, Judy Gallagher
The Common Eastern Bumble Bee was at Meadowood, and the Assassin Bug/Cucumber Beetle was at Julie Metz Wetlands.