Sunday, February 14, 2016

Who's Out in the Unseasonable Warmth?

It's a round 70 degrees today (February 14th), and we have been buried in a foot-and-a-half of snow in March before, so this is REALLY unseasonably warm!

I decided to see what little creatures might be out and about in the warmth. This was a small sampling (some native flies and bees were also seen, but did not cooperate for photos).

Phyllodesma americana (American Lappet Moth). This was a lingerer on the patio after the black light last night. It was still hovering around 60 degrees last evening even a couple hours after dark. Small moths and a couple ichneumon moths showed up.

Velvety Tree Ants (Liometopum occidentale) on the Engelmann Oak by Mountain Meadow Road. They were very active.

Largus californicus (a bordered plant bug). Clinging to the stucco on the house.

Small carabid just outside the front door.