Another stay at home day, and I love it. Furthermore, I think it may make me a better observer. Why? Because I am always looking for something new to pop up in my path. Or may be just a different way to view something.
Yesterday late, this handsome mushroom sprung up! So if you look carefully, you may be able to see the lacewing’s eggs (two white spots on pedestals) on the left side of the photo.
Moreover the mushroom was glowing with its browns and orange!
Now to switch gears. My kale is looking a bit ragged. Now to investigate!
Here is a suspect, the Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusiani)! In the Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America (Wagner), it says that this caterpillar can eat three times it weight in a day. This migratory moth lives across North America and Europe. And it is known to chomp on over 160 different species of plants!
So since I had one, it was time take a closer look! Maybe you can see a couple of the six eyes per side on the upper side of the head in this photo?
A close view of the anal proleg and its brown crochets. The prolegs and crochets are used for gripping.
Additionally on the same kale leaf were these tiny (1.24mm) aphids. It was not possible to see what they were until I looked under the scope.
And as they say on the Price is Right, wait there is more! This three millimeter larva was hanging out as well. All I can say, it is not a caterpillar. Any ideas?
As I walked passed the old well house, I checked in on the baby! It was hiding behind the bladder. So this view was taken through the open roof.
Nursery Spider spiderlings (Pisaurina brevipes) in their Wild Plum nest!
The parent was on the underside of the web! Indeed what a good parent, eh!
Fungivore! Ok, it could have been omnivore as well. Now, I immediately thought of eating the center filling of an Oreo. Indeed, many critters including insects, mammals, some birds are some examples of fungivores. However, I don’t know who is responsible here. 🙂 FYI, this is the same mushroom from above 24 hours later.
The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know.
5 Comments
Cabbage loopers are not my favorite. I get rid of them asap dont care what they make. I put mine where birds can find. Love love the baby vulture. So glad to see it looking healthy.
I hope someone too can shed some light on the larva. Interesting critter to watch. The fluid inside could be seen pulsing and watching it breathe… I love that. Same for the cat. Gotta love our scopes!
Cabbage loopers are not my favorite. I get rid of them asap dont care what they make. I put mine where birds can find. Love love the baby vulture. So glad to see it looking healthy.
I knew you would think that being a long time gardener, but I just see it as an opportunity 😉
Not a clue on the lava – hope we get an answer!
I hope someone too can shed some light on the larva. Interesting critter to watch. The fluid inside could be seen pulsing and watching it breathe… I love that. Same for the cat. Gotta love our scopes!
That mushroom looks like it’s made of lava!!