Pack rats, bowerbirds, and I have something in common. We all like shiny objects and parts.
Inside a nest box, no surprise a wasp nest.
However what did surprise me were the dead headless wasps at the bottom of the box. My quick search said predators included larger wasps, robber flies, praying mantis, beetles, hoverflies, centipedes, moths, and various birds. But none said who liked to eat their heads. Yum ;-).
A small web opening in the bark of an oak.
Curious I began to pull the bark off so I could see the whole cocoon. It was only about two inches deep.
Using my knife it was terribly tough to open. No movement yet so I continued to cut and tear.
Still no movement! There was beetle parts and a dark lump.
The lump was the remains of spider! As with many cocoons, it was incredible tough to open.
A shiny object on the ground attracted my attention. At first I though it would be another Fiery Caterpillar Hunter or a similar familiar shiny beetle. But no this one had a very long antenna. I reached out to Claire. She suggested to look in the Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycidae).
Searching the images, the best match was a Bumelia Borer (Plinthocoelium suaveolens)! Thanks Claire!
Susan, We have a close relative of the Rainbow Scarab. iNat corrected me to Phanaeus difformis and it doesn’t have a common name. But it is just as pretty with the metallic/iridescent colors. We now have identified 3 species of dung beetles here. Of any of these beetles, those like that Bumelia Borer are the prettiest. Had one of those back in May.
Never imagined that there would be underwater avalanches, but it makes so much sense.
The link to Jamestown did not work, but was able to just copy & paste to get to the article – DNA sleuthing is pretty amazing.
I fix in the morning if I have time. Otherwise copy and paste title works fine like you said. Thanks!
Fixed! Thanks again!
That beetle head is pretty enough to copy for a mask.
Yeah I thought about Wes and his mask making.
We thought that lasts photo, enlarged of the head, looked like something quite scary. Yep good idea Judy for Halloween.
Beetles are wonderful. This one is gorgeous but my fave is still the rainbow scarab.
Indeed they are beauties too.
The Jamestown article is so interesting. If that had been an option when I was younger, I might have chosen that as a career.
Susan, We have a close relative of the Rainbow Scarab. iNat corrected me to Phanaeus difformis and it doesn’t have a common name. But it is just as pretty with the metallic/iridescent colors. We now have identified 3 species of dung beetles here. Of any of these beetles, those like that Bumelia Borer are the prettiest. Had one of those back in May.
Wonder if it was one of last years spiders?
Good question.