Insect explosion

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.

Posted on September 5, 2021 06:47 PM by stevejones stevejones

Observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 09:55 AM MST

Description

Nectaring on Ericameria laricifolia

Photos / Sounds

What

Tiny Checkerspot (Dymasia dymas)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 10:06 AM MST

Description

Nectaring on Ericameria laricifolia

Photos / Sounds

What

Globe Mallow Bee (Diadasia diminuta)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 10:09 AM MST

Description

On Baileya multiradiata flower

Photos / Sounds

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 10:10 AM MST

Description

On Baileya multiradiata flower

Photos / Sounds

What

Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 10:12 AM MST

Description

On Baileya multiradiata flower

Photos / Sounds

What

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 10:11 AM MST

Description

On Baileya multiradiata flower

Photos / Sounds

What

American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 04:45 PM MST

Photos / Sounds

What

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 04:46 PM MST

Photos / Sounds

What

Queen (Danaus gilippus)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 04:50 PM MST

Photos / Sounds

What

Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 04:58 PM MST

Description

Locally very common gall on Porophyllum gracile; larva seen here

Photos / Sounds

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 05:00 PM MST

Photos / Sounds

Observer

stevejones

Date

September 5, 2021 05:02 PM MST

Comments

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.

Posted by mjplagens over 2 years ago

The American Snout butterflies are having a banner year. The sheer numbers I am seeing of them in southeast Arizona is astronomical.

Posted by southwestwanderer over 2 years ago

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".

Posted by ethan-k over 2 years ago

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