This week or two is my least favorite aspect of the insect year: when it's virtually impossible to take a photo of a wildflower (especially goldenrod) that isn't full of pairs of goldenrod soldier beetles.

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Flickr Lounge: patterns

I finally got a good shot of this large and beautiful longhorn beetle that seems to feed exclusively on the pollen and nectar of goldenrod--which also confirms for me that this flower is a goldenrod. I thought it was, but it's quite different (much larger flowers) than other goldenrod species, so I wasn't completely sure. Be sure to notice the small red ant near its antenna.

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Day 225/365; Week 32 Theme: Peaceful (Aug 7 - Aug 13)
Flickr Lounge: Yards, Parks and Animals

My first time to see this lovely little butterfly in Indiana. I saw it once in Tennessee, in the Smoky Mountains. This one was seen in a park down the street.

Tags:   365: the 2023 edition 365:2023 Day 225/365 13-Aug-23 red-banded hairstreak hairstreak butterfly flying bee

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Would you trust the wasp wearing this T-shirt?

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