markkjames's Favorites
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus StenodynerusObserver
markkjamesDescription
Observed same two days ago but individual skittish. Returned to location and was fortunate to observe again for a variety of closeups.
Original observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/201509065
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Blood Bees (Genus Sphecodes)Observer
nature4lzwDescription
Small bee flying fast and low to the ground, weaving in and out low grasses.
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Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)Observer
markkjamesDescription
I had just seen a Callophrys dumetorum (Lotus hairstreak) 10 minutes earlier in this immediate area and while on trail, saw two butterflies fly by me in a tumble and then separate with a Callophrys augustinus (Brown elfin) landing on a laurel sumac leaf nearby. Territorial behavior?
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Western Tailed-Blue (Cupido amyntula)Observer
markkjamesDescription
I was photographing male (#4 & 5) when a female (?) arrived, flicking wings for a few seconds then departed to nearby (#6 & 7).
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Genus NemoriaObserver
markkjamesDescription
Beautiful twig mimic caterpillar had been feeding on Malosma laurina leaf. Great camouflage.
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Alconeura tricolorObserver
markkjamesDescription
If it was not for the green body, I would never have seen the tiniest leafhopper (approx 3 mm) resting on a copper-colored Eriogonum fasciculatum seed cluster. Observed three total on similar seed clusters within 200 yards. Successfully photographed only this one.
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Schizocosa mccookiObserver
markkjamesDescription
First noticed the bouncing white, marble-size egg sac that was attached to the end of the abdomen while this female was traveling.
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Spotted Orbweaver (Neoscona crucifera)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Blended in well with Malosma laurina seed cluster.
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Spotted Mini-Digger-Cuckoo (Zacosmia maculata)Observer
markkjamesDescription
One of the strangest bees I have ever observed at Mission Trails! About the size of Halictus but encrusted in a fungus or is it a cuckoo bee? What I thought were pollen baskets (growths?) have several spikes protruding. Note the growth at the bottom of the abdomen in #2). AI not helpful.
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Crotch's Bumble Bee (Bombus crotchii)Observer
markkjamesDescription
For 30 minutes, this individual circled (or patrolled?) a nearby Malosma laurina in peak bloom. It landed numerous times, mostly on the perimeter but only briefly and on several of the same plant perches. This behavior was repeated enough to get a variety of photos.
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Shining Mini-Digger (Anthophorula nitens)Observer
markkjamesDescription
First time seeing any bee on Zeltnera venusta (California Centaury).
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Longhorn Bees (Tribe Eucerini)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Party of at least five found huddled inside Calochortus splendens (splendid mariposa lily).
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Aphoebantus musObserver
markkjamesDescription
Villa? It was in a patch of coastal goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii)
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Observer
markkjamesDescription
Observed on desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides). Quite small and anytime it moved forward, it fluttered. AI named only Enchenopa but I could not find a match.
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Merocoris curtatusObserver
markkjamesDescription
Observed on matchweed (Gutierrezia californica) while pointing out bee flies during a guided walk. Only about an inch long.
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Observer
markkjamesDescription
Found on a leaf of Telegraphweed (Heterotheca grandiflora).
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Nemoria pistaciariaObserver
markkjamesDescription
Found on wall of Kumeyaay campground restroom.
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Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Tiny spider observed on open ground by trail most notably because of distinctive white & gold abdomen. All photos are with a macro clip-on. Check out those pedipalps!
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Small Heliothodes Moth (Heliothodes diminutiva)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Found on garland daisy flower (Glebionis coronaria).
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Genus TimullaObserver
markkjamesDescription
Observed on desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides). Rather hairy but iNat listed both Sphex and Prionyx. It may be neither.
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Western Poplar Clearwing Moth (Paranthrene robiniae)Observer
markkjamesDescription
I thought it was an unusual paper wasp. Impressive mimic!
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San Diego Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer ssp. annectens)Observer
markkjames
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Sourbush Seed Fly (Acinia picturata)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Mating on Marsh fleabane (Pluchea odorata)
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Observer
markkjamesDescription
Observed on underside of Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepsis) leaf. There was a multicolored metallic shine with thick, oversized antennae. A strange little wasp!
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Death-watch Beetles (Genus Ptilinus)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Less than 1/8”, found preening it’s feathery antennae on Hooker’s evening primrose (Oenathera elata) - click beetle?
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Observer
markkjamesDescription
Could be C. castaneus or C. leucomelas, perhaps? Found on new growth at stem tip of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepsis)
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Genus SynagelesObserver
markkjamesDescription
Possibly S. occidentalis? Observing ants with my macro lens on a wooden fence that borders the trail.
It had me fooled at first but behavior was different. Whenever ants were nearby, it was always rotating to keep eyes up front at all times.
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Chrysobothris maliObserver
markkjamesDescription
Found on 5’ arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepsis) sapling. When in direct sunlight, shimmered in metallic copper. Recent C. bacchari obs located 75 yards away.
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Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Could it be L. marginatum? Peeling puffball?
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Bobcat (Lynx rufus)Observer
westerly48Description
Seen on Fr. Serra Trail. Location approximate. Image taken with DSLR camera without GPS feature.
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Harlequin Bug (Murgantia histrionica)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Aiming camera at harlequin bug when western honey bee flew into shot!
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Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)Observer
davidcooksyDescription
I am told by staff of MTRP that this is the only known photo of this species ever sited within MTRP. Unfortunately I did not have the GPS function turned "on" for this shot. If you trust me....,
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Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus ssp. helleri)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Seen resting in trail depression on Visitor Center trail not far from rock crusher foundation.
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Monarch (Danaus plexippus)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Caterpillars seen on milkweed bushes at the entrance to the Botanic Building in Balboa Park.
