Donna from Wind Kisses invites us to get up close and cozy with bugs this week. I grew up where Black Widow Spiders hung out in dark corners, and now and then a scorpion would appear on the trail and scare the heck out of me! Still, I remained curious about those smaller critters, and today I find it a sometimes quite satisfying exercise in patience to photograph them.
Damselflies and Dragonflies are favorites of mine. For one thing they are voracious mosquito eaters, and another is the variety of lovely colors they come in. The photo above is a perfect example of what characterizes Damselflies: their eyes are clearly separated, the body is long and slender, the back and front wings are of similar size and shape, and are held close to the abdomen when at rest.
The Dragonfly above was resting out of the wind when I got this shot. Notice that it’s eyes touch, it has a more stocky body in comparison with the Damselfly, it’s front and back wings are different shapes and sizes, and are held open horizontally when at rest. Below another Dragonfly in motion.
Canadian and Northwest USA folklore holds that Banded Woolly Worms are a harbinger of what the weather will be in the upcoming winter season. Though their spiky, hairy outside (a protection against predators) looks dangerous, they are innocuous.
Caterpillars metamorphose into moths or butterflies. The Banded Woolly Worm transforms into the Isabella Tiger Moth. Wish I had a photo of one, however here are some of my better flutterby photos.
The honeybee has been seen as a messenger from the Gods in Greek and Roman mythology. The ancient Celts also saw honeybees as messengers between worlds. Honeybees brought wisdom and were revered for their role in the metaphysical. Today we celebrate their work as pollinators.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Nicely done. Was there a spotted lantern fly in the upper corner of one group? Red and black.
Not sure. I’ll need to check! Just was in Pullman last weekend. Palouse is still lovely!
When was the Palouse not lovely!
Great photos Lindy. They did indeed flutter by. 🙂
Thanks John. I always appreciate your comments!
As kids we always called them flutterbys so I smiled at the memory while reading your post. Loved the woolly, I’m not sure we get them here in the south. Terrific response for the week.
Hi again! Wooly worms are resident in the PNW and British Columbia. I imagine there are other critters there that are believed to forecast weather!
Thank you for sharing the differences in the dragonfly and damselfly. Just yesterday there was a blue one flying around the pool all day. The kids kept chasing it and it didn’t seem to mind. They are fun. Nice captures.
I completely forgot about the Wooly Worm as a weather predictor. Nice reminder of our days in the PNW. Love your flutterbys, and especially the honeybee on the coneflower. The post was organized so nicely with great information, Lindy. Any you are never too late. Always enjoy your posts. Have a nice weekend.
I’m so late replying! Sorry!!!
Thank you for your kind comments, and consistently positive posts❣️