When you look into the cup of a flower head or rolled leaf, you never know what you'll see looking back. Most often it's one of the crab spiders, as many members of this species prefer to do their ambush hunting from the concealment of a bloom's shadowy interior.
Sometimes, though, you get a surprise…as I did when I peered into the unopened umbel of Queen Anne's Lace and found this critter staring up in what appears to be somewhat embarrassed perplexity. In fact, we were both confused—I first thought it was some type of tick, but quickly realized it was two legs shy of being a member of the eight-legged arachnid class. Hmmmm?
The day was hot and there were lots of bug-eating birds about. I didn't want to disturb my bright-orange find from it's protective hidy-hole. So I don't have a solid ID to pass along. My best guess is that it may be some type of shield bug. But if anyone knows better, feel free to pass such info along.
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16 comments:
I like how you have anthropomorphized the bug, Grizz-- "...in what appears to be somewhat embarrassed perplexity"--though I concur completely with you.
I just finished reading a good book entitled "Inside of a Dog," much of which is devoted to explaining the differences in how dogs and humans perceive the world. If dogs (at least a fellow mammal, for goodness sake) and people see the world so differently, it's truly unfathomable how an insect must perceive the world.
you just put your nose into all sorts of places:)
Hi Grizz-
beautiful picture, capture nature's mystery perfectly
Love Gail
peace.....
That is a good shot of whatever it may be.
Scott…
You know, one of these days we're going to have to exchange a list of books and authors. I know you've read stuff I'd like, and I can probably point you to a few new things.
I'm glad you're okay with this bit of anthropomorphic description. I've always thought such use, when employed judicially and without delving into the silly, is far better in terms of informational and creative writing than stuff that reads like a biology textbook. I read—though it sometimes falters into only an attempt to read—a lot of nature works by top-flight scientists and researchers…and find, with much disappointment, it's too often boring beyond description. That sort of writing has its place, certainly, but its readability is nothing more than a collection and cataloging of data—facts, models, history, projections, conclusions. Expected in, say, a master's thesis, but not very entertaining because it lacks the human reaction and interaction.
The old naturalists and nature writers—John Burroughs, Thoreau, Hal Borland, Edwin Way Teal, knew how to entertain and educate, and how to cast a phrase. And so do my favorites today, writers like Bernd Heinrich, Dave Carroll, both Merill Gilfillans, Donald Kroodsma, to name just a few. I'm not putting myself in their class, mind you—just saying their passion and human reactions come through as well as their expertise, and I like that and think most readers do. If some don't like the occasional anthropomorphic meander, oh well.
Description is just a tool to help a writer share his experience or passion or ideas. A word photo. A way to connect.
We indeed know so little about how other creatures perceive the world. I expect much of what we think we know is wrong. And stuff we can't even imagine, or guess about, is in common effect. We're gradually learning more, but there are doubtless many secrets we'll never unlock, and assuredly more than a few we'll never even realize exist.
AfromTO said...
Eyes, not nose. I've learned better than to poke my proboscis into some things without giving it a good look first.
Gail…
A cute little critter—at least in this pix.
Hey, it's hot here, 97˚ and heading for 102˚. I went rambling for a while this morning but started feeling like a stewed tomato by about 1:00 p.m. and came home. Supposed to be in the 90s˚ through the weekend and maybe all next week. Ughhhh! I'm too boreal for this weather.
Helen…
Thank you. The flower head makes the shot. Still don't really know what the insect is; shield bug is just my very inexpert guess.
Such a beautiful bug, looks like a jewel in the crown!
Merisi…
What a lovely turn of phrase—I am wonderfully pleased. Thank you.
Okay. I've now gone to Amazon and put all of your writers in my wish list so I don't forget. Thank you so much for mentioning them. I have trouble finding good books about nature....
Robin…
Borrow before you buy…at least until you feel sure you like the writer's style and material. A library is your first stop. And these are just writers whose names came to me at first thought, most being in a stack beside my desk—but there are many, many others I read and enjoy. Most are at least as good, some maybe even better. Depending on your literary tastes, of course. One thing re. those nature writers I typically enjoy most, is that they also give you a good dose of other things along the way—a little history, the flavor of the countryside and its people, interesting tidbits, folklore, weather, seasonal philosophy, characters, and in a style that, at its best, borders on poetry disguised as prose.
Email me before you actually buy, okay?
HI AGAIN - ya, here too,m a heat index of over 100 degrees for the next 3 to 4 days. I went to see my Mom today and I am a pile of mush just from being in the heat for a bit and the nursing home is not all that cool. I don't understand why God is, well, whatever. Never mind. UGH
Love to you
Gail
peace....
Gail…
Really hot here. Got up 102˚ for a few hours earlier this evening. It's now backed off to the mid-90s˚ and should get into the upper 70s˚ during the night. With the fans drawing in outside air tonight, that will help cool off the stone walls of the cottage for tomorrow. It really wasn't bad inside here today until about sundown, because the stone walls were cooled off last night. Mid-afternoon, when it was in the upper 90s˚outside, it was only 80˚ in here—which is pretty good for no air conditioning.
I know the heat you're having is tough on your mom…and you, too. Hang in there. This wave will pass.
For me here in the UK Grizz, that is a totally unidentifiable bug - but beautiful nevertheless.
Weaver…
I really don't know for sure what the thing is, either…but it was kinda cute snuggled in the Queen Anne's floret cup.
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