Monday, September 02, 2013

Cicada, Cicada Killer Wasp, et al

The dominant experience at Heinz NWR a few days ago was the roar of the annual cicadas (not to be confused with the periodical cicadas which emerged earlier this year on their 17 year cycle) ...
 
An Annual Cicada
With the cicada making their noise from trees everywhere, we also encountered the Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus) - one of the largest wasps anywhere. They were busy around the holes which they excavated, often disappearing inside. While their size makes them scary, everything I have read says that they are perfectly harmless to everything except cicada ... 

Cicada Killer Wasp
Cicada Killer Wasp

In Vermont, this summer has been a banner year for the Hummingbird Moth. They also seem very common at locations around Philadelphia ...

Hummingbird Moth

It seems odd, but I have seen more Praying Mantis in the shrubbery around our condo's pool than I think I have seen anywhere else ...


Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis


1 comment:

Wilma said...

In spite of the racket they make, I am fairly fond of cicadas, especially the periodical ones. You have a great selection of very interesting (and photogenic) creatures today.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails