Sunday, August 3, 2008

Sunday Safari: Pupas



It's Sunday, and I have a Safari...even if it is gray and rainy right now. Next week I will probably be late -- we are going on a little vacation...some scenic roads, visits to parks, and camping. When I get back I can post my remote safari pictures. On to the today's safari...

Well, some of the lady beetle nymphs I posted about earlier have started their pupal stage. Now there are these funny looking bumps on the plants. I know it's perception, but it seems that these insects start as innocent looking eggs, emerge as fierce looking nymphs, form funny looking pupas, and end up friendly little ladybugs.


(ladybug pupa)

I caught this red colored dragonfly resting. I noticed and read that some rest with the wings forward like this.




The bumblebee is interested in the onion blooms. It seems to be "Bee" season here (when it isn't rainy) there are many buzzing around lately.




My "friendly" wasp is still hanging around. I believe it has a ground nest somewhere in the vegetables...haven't had a conflict yet (or found a hole). It should be okay as the area the nest is located doesn't need to be disturbed until fall cleanup.


I'm going to end with a fly...this one is more bronze or brown instead of the greens I have seen.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the lesson on ladybugs, I didn't realize they had all those stages of development. You are very knowledgeable about insects. I love that red dragonfly, I always see the brown, blue or green ones.

Cheryl said...

Hi Chris....that was so interesting about the ladybirds....you are so lucky to have seen them in these stages in your garden....

Dragonfly is wonderful....good shot.

Bees are still busy here....only the rain keeps them away.....and I love the wasp photograph....all in all a great Sunday safari....
Have fun next weekend......

ChrisND said...

Perennial Gardener...I knew about the stages, but never actually saw them, it's interesting and I can share what I learn here. If I see something in the garden I don't know, I like to find out about it.

ChrisND said...

Hi Cheryl...thanks. I've noticed the dragonflies picking up again and the bees are always great.

We'll be sure to capture some safari pics from our trip next week.

Q said...

Dear Chris,
Lovely bugs!!! I did not know about the pupa stage for the lady bugs. I now want to go looking for pupas! Sunday Safari is so fun. Thank you.
Your pictures are excellent!
Have a safe and fun trip. I will be looking forward to seeing pictures of your adventure!
Sherry

Rose said...

Very interesting photos of the ladybug pupae or pupas! I haven't seen many ladybugs around here this year, nor have I seen a red dragonfly before.
You were very brave to take a photo of that wasp!
Thanks for visiting my blog; I enjoyed your safari. Have a good trip this week.

ChrisND said...

Thanks Sherry...It's always fun to see and learn something new. If you have spotted eggs and nymphs, the pupae are not far behind. I will be sure to find a couple of good shots on our trip.

ChrisND said...

Hi Rose, I didn't see many ladybugs for a long time...then suddenly I spotted some beetles, then eggs, and well...you saw the result.

The bees and wasps are usually pretty good considering the camera in their faces...I try to be as passive as possible and they don't seem to mind. Then again, I'm not allergic so all I worry about is pain from a sting, which hasn't happened in years.

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Hi Chris,
I really like dragonflies but the other bugs are icky(-: LOL
Great pictures of them though!!!

ChrisND said...

Thanks Cindee...the ladybugs should be nice when they grow up though :-)

PS: Dakota is doing great...lots of shedding and a daily dive in our backyard pool...she loves a good swim in the summer. (Will have to make a post about her soon.)

Anonymous said...

The dragonfly gives the impression that it's going to take off backwards with it's wings in that position, good shot. Ladybug pupas are a good sign that your garden will raise a good crop of aphid eaters.
Enjoy your camping trip.

ChrisND said...

Hi Northern Shade...with they way the wings rest, that dragonfly does look a little backwards. Just got back from camping and I see some empty pupa skins...so there must be fresh adults now. I will have to update everyone on the trip and see what happened in the garden tomorrow.

Thanks for the visit.