Saturday, November 26, 2011

Cross Orbweaver - Araneus diadematus

I found this very large web in the flower garden and sitting in the middle was this beauty.











Sunday, November 20, 2011

Woolly Aphid - Eriosomatinae

It was a cloudy day and we were sitting out having coffee when I noticed this tiny bluish thing flying above the flower bed. It was a Wooly Aphid and at only 3mm these tiny guys are pretty tough to follow.












Saturday, November 12, 2011

Green Arches - Anaplectoides prasina

I found this worn late season moth under the porch light. No surprise since the larva feed on apple and there are lots of orchards in this area.






Saturday, November 5, 2011

Spider Wasp - Pompilidae Auplopus

I found this guy near the gate to the Fylton Forest where the California Quail like having their dust bath. When I first saw this guy I knew I had never seen anything like it before. Its movements were quick and nervous-like, always digging in the sand and flying off when approached. It seemed like it was on a mission.












Four-spotted Sap Beetle - Glischrochilus quadrisignatus

We were sitting at the picnic table having coffee when B spotted this guy crawling across the table. I thought it was odd that it had a bunch of stuff stuck to it until I found out that it was a Sap Beetle.








Thursday, November 3, 2011

Running Crab Spider - Philodromus dispar

These guys aren't called Running Crab Spiders for the fun of it. For something so small they can really go. I managed to get these photos up by the compost bin.






Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Zebra Jumper - Salticus scenicus

B spotted this tiny jumper on the stuccoed wall in the screen porch. I'm not sure whether I would have noticed it. At only 3mm in size this guy is pretty small. When I tried to get a photo, it would hide behind one of the tiny stucco bumps or crevices. I had to wait till it came back out and I finally was able to get a few shots. It turned out to be a young Zebra Jumper. I eventually found an adult by the picnic table.