mountainsong's Favorites
Photos / Sounds
What
Holcopasites ruthaeObserver
bonnienickelDescription
Possible male. About 6-8 H. ruthae were patrolling a nesting aggregation of Calliopsis pugionis, with females entering nest holes after host bees exited.
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus MecaphesaObserver
markkjamesDescription
No predator/prey action occurred. Separate obs: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/208994289
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What
Buckwheat Root Borer Moth (Synanthedon polygoni)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Found flying around a Bahiopsis laciniata.
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus CuricaberisObserver
markkjamesDescription
Observed inside a partially opened Encelia californica bloom.
Photos / Sounds
What
Ground Crab Spiders (Genus Xysticus)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Osmia coloradensis: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/205986703
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What
Colorado Mason (Osmia coloradensis)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Genus Xysticus: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/205987431
Photos / Sounds
Observer
markkjamesDescription
Tiniest mushroom compared to tip of index finger in #1! Found amongst Timmiella moss growing on bluff rock outcrop.
Photos / Sounds
What
Catchweed Bedstraw (Galium aparine)Observer
markkjamesDescription
False chinch bug photobombed the shoot.
Photos / Sounds
What
Alconeura unipunctaObserver
markkjamesDescription
Very small and on Malosma laurina leaf.
Photos / Sounds
What
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Found mushroom growth at both ends of driftwood.
Photos / Sounds
Observer
markkjamesDescription
Observed several hovering around Malosma laurina leaves (patrolling for prey?) but rarely landing. Managed to capture one in specimen cup.
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What
Genus NemoriaObserver
markkjamesDescription
Beautiful twig mimic caterpillar had been feeding on Malosma laurina leaf. Great camouflage.
Photos / Sounds
What
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.
Photos / Sounds
What
Yellow-faced Bumble Bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Surprised to see Bombus in Nov but this was a cultivated Salvia mellifera plant that was part of an extensive native plant restoration by the city water dept after a major water project was completed in 2022.
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What
Redcoat Seed Bug (Melanopleurus belfragei)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Mating
Photos / Sounds
What
Steel-blue Cricket-hunter Wasp (Chlorion aerarium)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Field cricket in a separate observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178245939
Photos / Sounds
What
Agrilus blandusObserver
markkjamesDescription
Mating on California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum).
Photos / Sounds
What
Isabelle's Bromeliad Fly (Copestylum isabellina)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Seen on my car at 06:57am, 66 degrees and fog.
Photos / Sounds
What
House Flies and Allies (Family Muscidae)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Observed Mecaphesa carrying off prey from Muscidae family (possibly Coenosia tigrina) on Encelia californica (California brittlebush).
Photos / Sounds
What
Running Crab Spiders (Family Philodromidae)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Possibly Thanatus? Seen on Encelia californica flower bud.
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Observer
markkjamesDescription
Genus Chrysopilus perhaps? Seen landing on leaves of Medicago polymorpha (bur clover).
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What
Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria biflora)Observer
markkjamesDescription
None of the blooms were open yet. Some plants are short enough to be well-hidden in the vegetation.
Photos / Sounds
What
Bracket Fungi (Family Polyporaceae)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Found on north side of several wooden fence rails bordering trail.
