The Wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) is often confused with the related assassin bug
I did a lot of looking and thinking today, but very little writing. As a result, today's update consists only of four insect photographs, all taken today.
Lewis & Clark Visitors Center; Nebraska City
Lewis & Clark Visitors Center; Nebraska City
Lewis & Clark Visitors Center; Nebraska City
Differential grasshoppers (Melanoplus differentialis) are considered major agricultural pests in the midwest
Photo credits: all photos, Hungry Hyaena, 2009
2 comments:
While I am inclined to agree with the strident prose of Anonymous, I am also perpetually amused at the common names of plants and insects.
Dogface? I love it.
Any notion of why they are called 'differential' grasshoppers?
Anonymous:
Well, yes and no.
Michael:
Yeah, the Southern dogface's common name threw me, too. "Oh, this is a gorgeous butterfly! Let's call it dogface." Huh? It makes you wonder what the Latin name translates as, but I haven't been able to work that out (and it's not in my big book o' goodness.)
As for the differential grasshoppers, I haven't a clue what physical or behavioral characteristic inspired the common name. I tried to find some relevant information, but had no luck. Perhaps it's simply the bold markings on the legs?
Post a Comment