Monday, May 21, 2012

A weekend stroll

This weekend my husband had some work to do in the lab, so I went with him and wandered about outside in the brilliant sunshine. I took some pictures along the way, and wanted to share them with you. 

Enjoy!
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A cluster of 'Crown vetch', or Securigera varia, flowers


A red clover, or Trifolium pratense inflorescence, with top blooms illuminated by sunshine. Recently, I lamented to myself that although I have taken many pictures of flowers, I have rarely taken the opportunity to photograph other creatures on my long walks. That changed this weekend, when it seemed there were all kinds of insect and arachnid activities afoot! For instance, check out the awaiting predator in the lower right corner of this seemingly innocent red clover!   


Coming across a bunch of withered asters (genus Erigeron, perhaps?), I was startled and amazed by the sight of a well-camouflaged spider making a meal of what had been an unsuspecting bee or wasp. Although the feeding spider didn't seem to mind having his (or her?) mealtime photographed, I kept my distance!  


Another aster flower with the inhabitants involved in the continuing of life, a stark contrast to the previous picture. 


At last, I will switch from all the arthropod drama by showing you a daisy (Bellis perennis?), brilliantly lit by the afternoon sun.   

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I hope you enjoyed these pictures, and that you have a great week! Entomologists and arachnologists, if you know the names of the species in the above photos, please let me know- I will credit you for the information! :) For a useful resource identifying many common North American wildflowers, please click here.  

May all beings be happy (even though we know that some beings do get eaten by spiders)!

6 comments:

  1. Hello Renata,
    These photos you captured are spectacular!!! When I clicked on them to view them bigger I was astounded at what I saw!!!

    Oh, and thank you for sharing that link.

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    1. Thanks so much Lon! I am glad you enjoyed them. I enlarged the photos in the post so the details are easier to see.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Hello Renata, what a wonderful and intricate universe in which we live! Every flower and every blade of grass is a beautiful world of itself. Thanks!

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    1. Dear Dan,
      You are so right- there are many worlds in the world around us :) Glad you enjoyed the photos!

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  3. I LOVE your pics.....isn't nature wonderful? :)

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    1. Thanks so much quietmind279! I am so glad you liked the pictures. But I guess the only way pictures can be wonderful is because Nature is, as you so wisely say. :)

      Have a great day!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment! If you enjoyed this post, please share with others. -With Metta, Renata