Love In The Afternoon

While (im)patiently waiting for hummers I noticed something hovering three feet above the stone patio before returning to earth again. It didn’t take long to recognize it as a carolina locust as we have many in the yard and garden. After observing this behavior several times I decided to ditch the hummers for the locust • After 10 minutes or so he stopped hovering and started walking towards me, that’s when I spotted a second locust nearby. These locusts vary in color from gray to rusty, and don’t signify gender • According to a University of Milwaukee website, “male locusts hover or fly in a butterfly-like fashion during courtship.” While hovering they crepitate, which involves twitching and clicking to attract females and rival males • In my photo the male is rusty, the female gray • Fascinating! • Peace & Love