Friday, September 21, 2007

I Did Some Research



OK, here are my best guesses.

The plant with the cute little flowers is a Weeping Lantana (lantana depressa), and the blue-black wasp lookin' thingy with the reddish orange wings is a Spider Wasp

Or a Tarantula Hawk (Pompilidae wasp) Apparently they hunt spiders.

I found this info at a site where folks like bugs a lot: Large blue-black wasps, most with orange wings. Some species have orange antennae. Females have curled antennae, males straight

According to that, I'd call this guy a male spider wasp. Why he was all over these flowers, I have no idea.

Now, y'all can take that as true or not. I tried to research the flowers and the bug on the internet and that's what I was able to find.

But you know how it is with the internet; sometimes you don't know if the info out there is accurate, or if my matching ability from the photos I took to what's out there is correct.

And I'm tired of taking pictures of things that look neat-o, but that I have no idea what they are.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello my friend. It has been a long time since I have been here. Have had trouble making the rounds lately.

I think you are right on both counts. The plant does look like a Lantana and the wasp like a spider wasp.

I also read with great fascination of your interest in Tony Hillerman novels. I love Tony Hillerman's work. Have you read his bio? That is one reason I wanted to go to Shiprock. Just had to see the place and soak up the atmosphere. Saw several Navajo Tribal Police vehicles. Each time I had to smile.

Take care. I will try to get around more often. Hope everything has returned to normal for you.

photowannabe said...

Works for me...never saw that type of wasp before...good shots and I appreciate the info.

Bobkat said...

It does look pretty. The orange and black of the bug against the yellow flower look great.

Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I was wondering how your brother was doing? I hope he is much improved.

Leanne said...

Yes on the lantana - I have some rainbow lantana and it clusters like that and attracts a variety of flying critters!

That's a wasp I would not want to be stung by. :P

Gudl said...

It looks beautiful! Very nice color.

Lori said...

I love those flowers! The color is so beautiful and you've got a great shot with the wasp.

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

Hmmmm you did some good photoshots John!!! and research too, weelI know what you mean, when You don't know 'what it is' is such a bore,

But you are doing fine now Right:)

Thanks for your comments:)
I posted a cows B&W collage today:)
Have a great weekend !
JoAnn :)

Coy Hill said...

Good job on the research, it can be difficult if not impossible at times.

thanks for you comments on Country Captures, you visits and comments are always appreciated.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

but the unknown comes with its own charm!!!! :)

lv2scpbk said...

Nice photo.