Sunday 30 May 2010

Sunday safari....

From a tender age, the world of bugs, has fascinated me. A small creature would keep me captivated for long periods ........
Nothing has changed. Early this morning, I decided to water the hanging baskets. As I went to pick up the watering can, I could here movement. I walked over to a planter and gently tipped the contents out.

I watched as the creaure started to clean herself. I am very familiar with this bug, they are very common in this area.


She seemed to stare at me.....I like to think with gratitude, but I would say probably curiosity.
Cockchafers (May bugs) fly at night and are rarely seen. They are clumsy creatures and often crash into things.
The ends of the antennae are club-shaped but they can be extended into a wide fan, enhancing their sense of smell.
Adults feed on leaves and do little damage. Their larvae, however, feed on the roots of trees etc. Rooks and crows feed on their larvae and are frequent visitors in the garden.
It was a good opportunity to study her..........can't wait to show Poppi the photographs.......and for anyone who is wondering what I did with the bug.......of course, I let her go.
Happy Sunday safari..........................

10 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Great photos Cheryl. I have learned something new today too! Enjoy your weekend.

Jane

Dan said...

I never knew they used their antennae for smell. Great pictures Cheryl.
Dan
-x-

o2bhiking said...

I enjoyed learning about this animal and seeing your great photos of it. Enjoy the day! Art

NCmountainwoman said...

When I was a child I loved to watch and follow bugs. I would "feed" an ant and follow its trail home.

Amy said...

That is a "new" bug to me Cheryl, and, of course you let him/her go! How wonderful that you can look forward to sharing this with Poppi.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Heck, you can' kill something that is looking right at you. Not doing anything to hurt you. Happy Sunday Safari Cheryl. I am glad you have kept your child-like curiosity of bugs and other wildlife. It makes it a better world for us all.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
She is charming!
We owe our lives to the invertebrates. I also can watch them for hours and hours at a time.
Have a wonderful June.
I will be thinking of you on Sundays.
One with the bugs,
Sherry

Rose said...

Knowing you, of course you let her go:) I never shared your love of insects when I was younger, Cheryl, thinking of them only as pests. But thanks to you, I have learned to appreciate them; you are right that they can be fascinating to watch. But I still draw the line at mosquitoes and Japanese beetles:)

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

How funny. Here we have June Bugs. They don't look much like your May Bugs, but are also clumsy fliers, and give our cats hours of entertainment. I have always loved bugs, although, I must admit that some creep me out. I remember as a child making little homes for bugs I would find. :-)

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Cheryl,
At this time of year we catch quite a few of these in our moth trap. If they are not too dozy they will take off when we uncover it rather than waiting for nightfall again. They are quite amazing in flight but, although, I like beetles, I do not find these very attractive! I did not know about their sense of smell though. Always something interesting to find out isn't there? Great photos. Lesley