Category: California Natives – Fauna

A Dragonfly Hitches a Ride: The Blue-Eyed Darner

Blue-eyed darner on a bicycle helmet (Photographer: Jon Scott)

Cyclist Jon Scott was cruising along at 25 miles per hour (mph) when he noticed that there was something itchy on his head. He decided to stop and investigate. When he removed his shiny black helmet he found that a Blue-eyed darner (Rhionaeschna multicolor, syn. Aeshna multicolor) dragonfly had been hitching a ride. The Blue-eyed darner… Continue reading A Dragonfly Hitches a Ride: The Blue-Eyed Darner

Danaus plexippus: Beyond the Fourth Instar – Part II

"Seven" spends the night in his enclosure because he emerged from the chrysalis too late in the day to be safely released. Next morning he flexes and extends his wings, ready for flight.

Quick preface to Part II, to see more photos of Seven and the Monarch life-cycle, check out the gallery. On the morning of his release, “Seven” took awhile to fly away. First he walked around the perimeter, then along the edge of the open mesh door flap of the enclosure. He worked his wings steadily, but seemed to… Continue reading Danaus plexippus: Beyond the Fourth Instar – Part II

Danaus plexippus: Beyond the Fourth Instar – Part I

As a fifth instar, "Seven" is eating voraciously, preparing for a final molt and the chrysalis stage.

As soon as the Monarch caterpillar is large enough to be seen on a milkweed plant, it becomes a potential snack for certain bird species that are not affected by the toxins the caterpillar ingests by eating milkweed. As the caterpillar develops from first through fifth instar, its size and increased mobility make it easier for predators to see. I do not know which… Continue reading Danaus plexippus: Beyond the Fourth Instar – Part I