Jarrod Erbe Photography

06/24/2026

Damselfly season. Although often mistaken for dragonflies, damselflies are generally smaller, more slender, and typically rest with their wings folded over their backs.

06/23/2026

Spreading dogbane plays an important role in the ecosystem. Its fragrant, bell-shaped flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the summer months. Similar to milkweed, it produces a milky latex sap that contains toxic compounds, helping protect the plant from many herbivores.

06/22/2026

Not quite an adult yet! This leafhopper nymph is an immature stage of one of the many species in the family Cicadellidae.

You have to look close to spot these guys. Most leafhopper nymphs measure only 2–6 mm long, making them roughly the size of a grain of rice, while the smallest species can be closer to the size of a sesame seed.

06/21/2026

The clouded plant bug has an intricate pattern of mottled browns and grays that provides excellent camouflage among leaves and stems. This guy was kind enough to model against a green backdrop where he stands out a bit better.

06/20/2026

The vibrant colors of the Red-banded Leafhopper (aka, the candy-striped leafhopper) represent both structural and pigment-based coloration. While these bright colors may appear to make the insect more visible, they can actually help break up its outline among the complex patterns of leaves, flowers, and dappled sunlight. They may also serve as a warning to predators that it tastes bad or may be toxic.

06/19/2026

At first glance, this looks like a tiny tuft of cotton caught on a leaf. I wouldn't have paid any attention until it flew to another spot. It's actually a woolly aphid, an insect that protects itself with a waxy coating of white filaments. This fluffy disguise helps shield the aphid from predators and environmental stress while it feeds on plant sap.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Several species of fleabane are native to North America and provide an important source of nectar and pollen for a variety of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

06/16/2026

The meadow plant bug relies on an impressive camouflage strategy to stay safe from predators. Its green coloration and slender body blend seamlessly with grasses and leaves, making it surprisingly difficult to spot unless it moves. This natural disguise helps it avoid becoming a meal while it searches for food among the vegetation.

06/15/2026

A green crab spider with freshly captured prey. These sit-and-wait predators often blend seamlessly into vegetation, where they remain motionless until an insect comes within striking distance. Their powerful front legs allow them to quickly seize prey that may be much larger than expected for a spider of this size. After ambushing an insect, the spider then bites the insect, injecting venom that acts quickly to immobilize or kill it.

Best viewed at full size if you dare :)