Handsome Trig

Also called Red-headed Bush Cricket (Phyliopalpus Pulchellus).  They are common here during the summer months but the populations are decreasing now as winter draws near.  I actually am not sure if they overwinter as adults or if it is the eggs that overwinter - I suspect the latter.  This is a female, identifiable by her ovipositor (which looks like a stinger but isn't).  You can also see her big paddle shaped "palps" which both sexes use to explore their habitat.  They are only about 1/4 inch long so easy to miss.  Even this one perched on a zinnia would have been easy to walk right past if I hadn't been scanning for arthropods (as one does).  

It stated cold this morning and while we missed getting a frost, most of our neighbors who sit about 10 feet lower than us, had frost.  I'm happy to have avoided it as it means my zinnias are still blooming and providing habitat for all manor of creepy-crawly things.  I found a minuscule six spotted orb weaver on a zinnia bud - hard to get a good image even with macro lens and Raynox150.  See Extra.

Once it warmed up, Jax and I had a leisurely snifari walk on the Lane, stopping to visit with some of the neighbors on our way.  One of our neighbor's always has dog cookies in her pocket and Jax recognized her from quite a distance, rushing to greet her and sit directly in front of her for his cookies.  Jax completely ignores her husband who never has treats.  Who says dogs aren't smart?

And meanwhile, in the House of Congress - the third attempt to find a Speaker of the House is underway with Tom Emmer as the candidate du jour.  I think he will have a hard time getting the votes he needs from his own party as he is more moderate than the hard-line conservatives who started this whole shit show.  We'll see.

Another low-pain day, increasing my optimism that I am headed towards getting this disease under control - at least for now.  Celebrated with a square of dark with peppermint.

xo
Debbi