Another stunningly hot day today – +30degC in the shade and far too hot to anything but hide next to the AC outlets in the house.
For all that, a circuit of the grounds at Sparroworks Hall was required just to see what was out and about. Painted Ladies were out and about once more, plus a few other insects – most far to flighty to settle and have their portraits taken.
The Dahlias, on the other hand, were quietly sitting there soaking up some rays so today we are adding a complete set of portraits of the Dahlia Family 2012 – there are plans to add some more varieties for next year’s show.
All this takes our minds off the impending Quebec elections – whoever wins is going to be a disappointment so Dahlias and Butterflies it shall be.
The Green chappie, by the way, has caused some taxonomic headaches but has finally admitted, after close questioning, to being a “Sweat Bee” – Agapostemon sp. (Family Halictidae) and quite possibly Agapostemon virescens. Called Sweat Bees, because apparently they will drink sweat from animals’ skin. This one is a female as it is green all over whereas the males have yellow and black striped abdomens – another useful factoid is that the females are very fast flying but the males are rather slow as they check the flowers for females … “Just cruisin’, guys. just cruisin'” It’s good to know these things.
Click on the thumbnails below for a full screen slide show:
- Painted Lady
- Agapostemon sp. (family Halictidae) – a green Sweat Bee
- Painted Lady
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