Chevy Fly Found in LA

Los Angeles, CA -- There is nothing artistic about this shot, but the fly is a masterpiece and it had to be posted.

This photo was taken in a neighborhood, overlooking the Pasadena Freeway in LA. I wonder what the neighbors think? There is no question what kids think about a blue Diptera in the front yard! Oh, and by the way, the mouth is made out of the grill of an old, Chevy truck, and the antennae are two golf clubs.

Decentralized Entomology Lab

East Mojave Preserve -- Preparing for a day of hunting insects. Interesting how some of us choose to spend a weekend.

Walking Stick

Pomona, CA -- Near the entrance of the Pumpkin Festival was a man holding a gigantic, black scorpion. At first we thought it was a fake, but after moving in closer, we all confirmed it was legitimate.

So, we followed the signs to the Insect Fair and got our share of bugs and reptiles. Among the scorpions and snakes were hissing cockroaches, walking sticks (like the one above), beetles, and African millipedes the length of a garner snake!

The best part is that you can hold them....

Kati Did Good Today

Pasadena, CA -- I discovered a one-inch long katidid nymph, sunning itself on a corn leaf the other day. The katydid is named for its mating call, "Katydid! Katydidn't!'' The males produce the call by rubbing a scraper on one forewing against the toothed edge of the other forewing.

What you looking at, Willis?

Pasadena, CA -- Both Mantids and Cockroaches are in the same order: Dictyoptera. But the Praying Mantis above is a much more endearing insect who seems to have an almost pet-like personality. I noticed this guy peering out from the side of a fence. As I moved from side to side, his head followed my movement. Yet unlike a lost puppy, he didn't follow me home.