@nativeplantlover, could you do some initial/preliminary trials for me before you send the poop; I wanted to see if it's a sound candidate and has the chemical makeup for the new fountain of youth?

Amazing detail on that Azalea Lace Bug...great job!!!

Insect (including caterpillars) poop is known as frass. It's a major component to fertilizing the forest floor. Add it to your compost, or just pour it under your plants.

Jack, I had one of those Twice-Stabbed Stinkbugs a while back. I'm glad Jean identified it because I already forgot the name!

@GrammaChar had a really good photo of two mating a while back, perhaps if she's watching, she may post it again. I loved the photo and should have given her an acorn for it.

RobinSeeds said:@nativeplantlover, could you do some initial/preliminary trials for me before you send the poop; I wanted to see if it's a sound candidate and has the chemical makeup for the new fountain of youth?

@RobinSeeds
I hate to disappoint you my dear, but if it worked in that capacity we'd probably need a boatload of "frass" just between the two of us.

I'm sorry to be absent from the forums. I miss all of you.
Haven't picked up the camera in quite some time.
Still dealing with the recent death of my husband, I just lost my 87 year old father. So sad to say goodbye to my two favorite guys.
I just need some time.
I'll be back.
Charlotte

I love your soul Charlotte and am deeply sorry for your losses. I'm here for you if you ever need someone to just listen. Take all the time you need and we'll see you when you feel more up to it. God Bless!

nativeplantlover said:
@RobinSeeds
I hate to disappoint you my dear, but if it worked in that capacity we'd probably need a boatload of "frass" just between the two of us.

What can I say...when you're right, you're right. I'd need a boatload full of frass but there's hope for others who aren't yet beyond help.

Spider and web, which I almost ran into...

those spiders seem to come out of nowhere, fully grown, in late summer! often have a few around the yard /house.

Found this guy at work on what looks like poison ivy. Not sure what it is, some kind of caterpillar?


The risk of having an organic garden... These Squash Lady Beetles (Epilachna borealis) are not beneficial like the similar red lady bugs. They eat cucumber plants!!! Luckily we have already made 2 gallons worth of pickles, so it's not a big deal.


Squash Bug - (Anasa tristis) is another not so benificial insect, but they look interesting with their interlaced shield-like exoskeleton.

Interesting, Jessie!! I had no idea there was a species of ladybug beetle that eats cucumber and squash plants. At first glance, it's hard to tell the difference. Although the larva are a dead giveaway! They sure are making a mess of your cuke leaves!

Edit because I'm wondering if there are also aphids on the leaf? And wondering if the ladybug larva would eat them as well?

This link doesn't say anything about them eating aphids, only the leaves.
https://extension.entm.purdue....

jmorth said:Spider and web, which I almost ran into...

Webtastic!

GrammaChar said:I'm sorry to be absent from the forums. I miss all of you.
Haven't picked up the camera in quite some time.
Still dealing with the recent death of my husband, I just lost my 87 year old father. So sad to say goodbye to my two favorite guys.
I just need some time.
I'll be back.
Charlotte

Try to hang in there Char, we miss you and your magnificent photos that brighten our day. May your days be a bit brighter gradually, with the time that you need... Your guys are still alive in the cherished memories you hold You're in our prayers and thoughts in the meantime.

(about the roses) And they went on, "Listen,
the heart-shackles are not as you think,
death, illness, pain,
unrequited hope, not loneliness, but
lassitude, rue, vainglory, fear, anxiety,
selfishness."
Their fragrance all the while rising
from their blind bodies, making me
spin with joy.
Be Blessed Char

Crane Fly

A dead Cicada Killer

Orb weaver

The Dogwood sawfly~Macremphytus lovetii~ a native sawfly.

Shedding their skins while feeding on Red Osier Dogwood Shrub. Right before this they appeared totally white like they had a fungus or something but it wasn't.

Cast off skin of the Sawfly

Wheel Bug(Assassin bug)

Really big Katydid

They just happened to be close together for that moment

Love the pics Cheryl! All of them, so neat!

More fantastic photos, Cheryl. I never get tired of seeing bugs up close! Did you check out the hooked toes on the Cicada killer?

There is a white covered sawfly larva called a Butternut Woolly Worm.
https://www.google.com/search?...

I've seen them before

Oooh looks interesting, but Sawfly sounds like a bad word to me.

I think sawflies are actually wasps with four wings but I don't know much about them.

Gorgeous spider, that black and yellow. We have them only rarely.
Friend in my queens tears bilbergia