When I traveled to Tishomingo recently, I spent some time taking photos of Black-eyed Susans. In the process, I also found insects eating or nectaring on them. It was fun!
Black-eyed Susan with a tiny caterpillar – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 800, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I love it when I get twofers. In this image, I didn’t even try to identify the tiny caterpillar hanging between two of the flower petals; I knew it would be more challenging than I wanted it to be.
It is hard enough trying to identify moths and butterflies I am not familiar with in a new location, let alone trying to do so from their larval stage.
I did like the tension that little caterpillar created in this photo and how well the native wildflower and caterpillar stood out from the dark background.
Black-eyed Susan with possible Coneflower Mining Bee – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 800, -1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This second photo shows a bee at the top of the Black-eyed Susan. I believe it might be a Coneflower Mining Bee, but I am not 100% certain.
While I have been told that I am something of a “walking, talking nature encyclopedia,” I am only human, don’t know it all, and I will not pretend to be something I am not.
While I was at the refuge, I took more images of insects on Black-eyed Susans. In time, I hope to share those photos here too. Everything in nature is connected, and the insects shown in my photos are also bird food.
The Summer Tanagers at the refuge will feast on bees, and there are plenty of birds that eat caterpillars. Nature is amazing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos. Click here to see more of my flower, shrub and tree photos.
Dramatic lighting and vivid colors…Wow! Thanks Mia.
Beyond beautiful. And hooray for insects – despite the fact that many of them bring me up in welts.
Beautiful photos and oooh summer tanagers?