The numbers and types of insects have exploded locally, one result of the abundant and well-spaced rainfall this summer. Quite a contrast to last summer.
Nectaring on Ericameria laricifolia
Nectaring on Ericameria laricifolia
On Baileya multiradiata flower
On Baileya multiradiata flower
On Baileya multiradiata flower
On Baileya multiradiata flower
Locally very common gall on Porophyllum gracile; larva seen here
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But the 'explosion' has been very uneven. Some species are super abundant, while others seem to be nearly absent. Quite a confusion. Maybe all this iNat data will someday give clues as to what's happening.
The American Snout butterflies are having a banner year. The sheer numbers I am seeing of them in southeast Arizona is astronomical.
http://texasento.net/snout.htm
It is noted that "snout population size is positively correlated with the intensity and duration of dry periods immediately preceding drought-terminating rains".
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