leaf mine in Toxicodendron
Growths resembling broccoli heads observed at the end of many stems of Lantana camara plants. The crinckled flower buds were not previously observed on these plants in the past. Outside daytime temperatures have been over 110 degrees F for about 1 month. https://www.gallformers.org/gall/2111
Soil under Douglas fir and spruce
Resting on a Senna twig.
~3 mm body with extra long palpal tibial apophysis.
At least three individuals were present together on a blooming desert graythorn (Sarcomphalus [=Ziziphus] obtusifolius). Uncertain how many of them are represented in the photos.
Measured 5 mm body. Elytra yellowish with three wide black stripes on each elytron, with the marginal edge black, orange head, body, and legs except for black on the apical hind femur area and tarsi. Found floating on the surface of water under Lantana. Dried and flew off on a rainy day.
Piles of loose dirt and especially the deliberately-plugged tunnel opening are diagnostic for Botta's Pocket Gopher in this area. In the swimming pool area of the Wellton Microtel hotel.
~5 mm in length. Rescued from some water, dried, and flew off.
~2 cm body, legs black, except basal third of fore tibiae, which are creamy white with long white hair; abdomen black. Dark wings, less opaque toward edges with one dark spot. Resting on the shady side of an Ash tree with an outside temperature of 107 degrees F.
Frequently surveyed a patch of dry hard packed dirt where native bees nest and then rested intermittently on a Salvia coccinea plant.
Hanging from a windchime
These have the weirdest fruits
The leaves are densly covered with stellate hairs giving them a velvety texture. Despite this a skipper butterfly larva gets past this defense: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/161521036
In a non-irrigated disturbed area with desert plants.
5 mm, rescued from some water, dried, and flew off.
~6 mm body. Found with a male (see last photo) on the surface of a bucket of water on a windy day. See male here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/152890057
First such that I have noticed in the area.
Resting on Spiderling stem; Boerhavia coccinea with an outside temperature of 86 degrees F.
Measured ~8 mm on a dried Gaillardia flower warming up in the morning sun with an outside temperature of 79 degrees F.
~4-5 mm body.
Caught a white bug ~3-4 mm in length (likely a plant bug; Miridae, with long antennae) and hung suspended from the underside of a Ruellia leaf to consume it.
~7mm and dark green/teal overall color. Short hairs on ventral abdomen. Might have been taking a nap under cloudy skies on a Saliva coccinea leaf.
On a Meyer Lemon tree leaf near a detached blossom today, ~3-4 mm in length. Species suggested by Margarethe Brummerman on FB group SW U.S. Arthropods.
~2 mm body, antennal flagellum with 11 parts; the last segment longer. Found on a Romaine lettuce flower most of a windy day. The next day the wasp was in the same spot. Using a macro lens, a white glob was discovered stuck to her back legs (last photo taken 3/21/22). Using a small pointed stick, the legs were freed and the wasp flew away. Bob Zuparko confirmed genus on BugGuide.
Having recently captured a giant crab spider.
Her fifth year nesting in the same sugar sumac.
Found on a rotting orange or grapefruit peel in a compost pile. ID by Robert Velten on FB group SW U.S. Arthropods.
Attracted to porchlight. ID by Robert Velten of FB group SW U.S. Arthropods. Body measured 9 mm, nose to wingtip is ~12 mm. The fly spent a bit of time seemingly adjusting or cleaning its accordion-like mouthparts.
Host Larrea tridentata; nymph stage. Incidental capture; see at right in second and third photos.
Found empty egg cases on an Ash tree leaf.
Hundreds of bees, mostly honey bees, but also native bees were attracted to these native flowers.
Attracted to porch light.
Nectaring on Physalis hederacea; some hang on to an individual flower for up to a minute. A nice change from the usual "focus...focus...flit!"
Several groups seen on new foliage of Abutilon palmeri.
This alate queen was found wandering on a patio alone. Measured about 1 cm in length. ID suggestion for Pogonomyrmex rugosus by Derek Uhey of FB group Hymenopterists Forum.
On Thai Basil; Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora flowers. Bee is approximately 4 mm in length without antennae. " Ivory marks: broad parallel-sided stripe on clypeus abruptly widened at apex, extending almost full length; spot at apex profemur and stripe extending full length of pro- tibia" as described on Discover life for female. https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Ceratina+arizonensis
100% thought this was a wasp. Wish I'd grabbed better shots.
On Vitis; grapevine, measured 6 cm in length.
Came to a porch light at night. Was resting on an outside window.
Host Quercus turbinella