The Other One

We commonly have two species of Clearwing Moths (Genus Hemaris) in the summer.  The more common one is the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (H. thysbe) which I blipped HERE.  I have only seen a couple of this species, the Snowberry Clearwing Moth (H. diffinis) this summer and this is the first shot I've gotten of one.  It's in good condition so believe it is a second hatch of the season.  Although the two species look very similar, this one has a paler abdomen and a rather distinctive "mask" across its eyes.  

I also spied a mating pair of Gold-marked thread-waisted wasps in the mountain mint, so will pop a shot of them in Extra.  If memory serves me correctly, they can stay connected like this for hours during copulation.  This image shows the size difference between the female and the male. The female seems unimpressed with the process, focused only on flying from flower to flower hauling her suitor along with her.  

Our new microwave was delivered and installed today.  It is essentially the same as the last one and will do the essential things needed from a microwave.  

I found a couple of freshly emerged monarchs in the garden today - one crawling out of some hostess and the other near the milkweed.  As much as I look for the chrysalids, I rarely find them.  Meanwhile, the caterpillars in the nursery are eating, pooping and growing like crazy.  In less than two weeks, they will all be pupated and waiting to emerge as magnificent monarchs, bound for Mexico.

xoxo
Debbi