Leonard Weber

July 10, 2024

Summer time in Eliza Howell Park,  when wildflowers are in bloom, is a wonderful time for insect watching. Attention is often – and understandably – focused on the attractive butterflies that can be seen, but there are other colorful insects that are present as well.

Here are five that tend to bring out  the “what’s that” question.

1. Ailanthus Webworm Moth

When not in flight, this insect does not look like a moth, but it is. It is named after a host plant for its larvae, the ailanthus (or tree-of-heaven) tree. The adult is found among the wildflowers throughout the summer.

2. Candy-striped Leafhopper

Candy-striped Leafhoppers are very small, easily missed despite their bright colors. They can be found on the leaves of plants like blackberry and roses, sucking out sap. True to the name, they quickly hop away when one gets close.

3. Bi-colored  Sweat Bee

These small metallic green bees can often be found gathering pollen from flowers to feed their young. They seem to favor purple or blue flowers, such as the thistle and chicory shown here.

4.Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Some Goldenrod Soldier Beetles can be found earlier in the summer, but, as the name suggests, they are most common in late summer when goldenrod blooms. The “soldier” part of the name comes from the way the wings seem to resemble a coat of the sort worn by soldiers in the past (remember the “red coats” name for English soldiers).

5. Locust Borer

Locust Borer is a beetle that feeds  almost exclusively on goldenrods. Its name come from the fact that  females lay their eggs in bark crevices of Black Locust trees. Both goldenrod and locust trees are common in the park, providing a good habitat for this beetle.

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These are a few of the fascinating  insects that one can get to know when spending time among the flowers of summer. Enjoy.