It is becoming painfully apparent that we are quickly approaching the end of fall and the inevitable creep of winter. There is a chill in the air, the leaves are rapidly collecting on the lawn...and the insects have almost completely disappeared. The small wetlands across from the Westminster Butterfly Pavilion, which used to be alive with the hum of dragonflies, yellowjackets, damselflies and myriad other residents, is a veritable ghost town. Oddly enough, we are finding the same four or five insects during these late season visits. Its as if each species has left one representative to keep the photographers happy while the rest head off on whatever winter adventures each prefers.
After looking for some time, we did manage to locate one lone crab spider valiantly clinging to a cattail leaf as the increasing winds of the morning whipped the vegetation around.
A very patient and cooperative blue damselfly. As with the dragonflies, the more I read about this very neat insects, the less I actually know. I was somewhat surprised at how many possible species there were in Colorado, and (at least to my untrained eyes) how often the differing species had similar markings.
Our old friend, the caterpillar of Henry's marsh moth (Simyra henrici), which we found practically on the very same plant as last time. Apparently, once these guys find a good thing they do not stray far.
I decided that a fun way to spend the morning would be to crouch quietly along the edge of the wetland waiting for the one remaining meadowhawk to make his way across the pond (hoping, of course, to get a shot on the wing). After about 40 shots...I managed to get this rather acceptable shot!
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