Backyard Orchard News
Not a 'Mosquito Hawk'
Some folks call them "bugsy" or "mosquito hawks" or "skeeter eaters" "flying daddy longlegs." They...
A crane fly lands on a stucco wall. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A resting crane fly. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
'Bee a Scientist' on May 8
Get ready! It's almost time to count the pollinators! The University of California's Agriculture...
A male longhorned bee, Melissodes communis, as identified by native pollinator specialist Robbin Thorp, emeritus professor of entomology at UC Davis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A male green metallic sweat bee Agapostemon texanus. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
European wool carder bee, Anthidium manicatum, in flight. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Honey bee, Apis mellifera, on a begonia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Where the Bees Are
Do you now where the bees are? On Thursday, May 8 let's all step outside for three minutes...
Honey bees clustering on pomegranate blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Like a Moth to a Flame
Moths. Mother's Day. The two go together like a moth to a flame, so why not have "Moth-er's...
A white-lined Sphinx moth heads for a flower. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Side view of a white-lined Sphinx moth. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is considered the largest moth in the world. Its wingspans can reach over 10 inches long and it holds the record for the largest wing area (62 square inches). (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The Lurking Place of the Fairies
Foxgloves are called "the lurking place of the fairies." That could be. Foxgloves are also known...
A Valley carpenter bee appears to be "nectar-robbing," drilling a hole through the flower instead of going into the entrance. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A honey bee seeks an entrance into the foxglove. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Look here! An earwig has found a "hidey hole." (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)