birds calling to each other
tiny black wasp or fly emerged and flew off when i prodded open the bottom of the wrapped leaf
Striped abdomen, appears to have a stinger, with lobster-like claws. Observed crawling on a rock by the Deer Camp trail in the Indian Tree open space preserve, Novato, CA.
Having lived in the area for 50 years, this was a first. Giant Silk Moth - largest moth native to North America (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyalophora_cecropia)
We went searching for these caterpillars with a botanist/entomologist who was interested in seeing if they might be around. Everyone was excited to find some!
If you look closely, it's the small red caterpillar on the stem.
At the"Sedum Wall" around the edge of Lake Lagunitas...a large area of sedum. This larva on the yellow flowers of sedum. Only 2 found after considerable searching: but enough to show that the elfin is here.
Species Moss's elfin because of its appearance and location on sedum.
Subspecies Marin Elfin because it is in Marin Co.
Near Shafter Bridge near Olema. On
yellow flowers of sedum. 3 seen here today.
Species Moss Elfin because of its appearance and location on sedum.
Subspecies Marin Elfin because of location In Marin Co.: the holotype was found in this area, where Lagunitas Creek crosses the road.
Trail to Golden Falls about 300 m from falls
~3 ft long. Very heavy and dense. Saw a handful of other smaller ones on the beach. Likely came from the woods.
tiny black wasp or fly emerged and flew off when i prodded open the bottom of the wrapped leaf