June 14, 2026

This is going to be a very short blog, since most of the creatures highlighted will be one species:  the Thistle Tortoise Beetles.  Here is a pair of creatures mating on a warm sunny day in June 2026.  Maybe you remember some of the facts associated with the mating rituals among the small insects in this part of the world. The smaller one (on top) is the male.  This is an insect called a Thistle Tortoise Beetle.  (It prefers to be found on Thistles (note the pointy edges of the leaves in picture 2) and it is a Tortoise Beetle based on its flat shape.)

Here is another Bug - the Keeled Bug, named for the distinct Keel on its back.  They were very common this week. 

Here is one of those big Amaryllis - I've been letting it grow outdoors in a window box.  

Here is one of those tiny little Columbines.

Well, it's getting near noon on Sunday.  I think we'll just stop here till next week.   

Wishing you all a wonderful new week!!!

 Love, Martha