Patagonia Mts Aug 24, 2020
Sycamore Wash of the Patagonia Mountains in eastern Sta Cruz Cruz County, Arizona
The summer rains for 2020 have been very meager for most of Arizona. As a result vegetation is water stressed and all but the hardiest plants are without new growth and flowers. Wilted plants and very dry, dusty conditions left me wondering if I would find anything interesting.
Sycamore Wash supports oaks on higher ground and riparian trees in deep sandy alluvium. Annual Sunflower were blooming well and appeared to be the saviors for many insects, including pollinators. As it turned out that made it easier to find Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera.
For the day I tallied some very nice observations. As far as I can tell, the large, strikingly marked Bee-Fly, Bryodemina valida (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/58389295), has not previously been recorded from the United States. A corona of very long, colorful setae makes the abdomen appear very broad. I am awaiting a dipterist to confirm this record.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Hunter's Little Paper Wasp (Polistes dorsalis)Observer
mjplagensDescription
Working extra-floral nectar secretions.
Photos / Sounds
Observer
mjplagensDescription
Surprising amount of pollen clinging to this bee-fly.
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus CatorhinthaObserver
mjplagensDescription
On inflorescence of Helianthus annuas.
Photos / Sounds
What
Phymata fasciataObserver
mjplagensDescription
Ambushing on infloresence of Croton.
Photos / Sounds
What
Bryodemina validaObserver
mjplagensDescription
A large fly, like nearly the size of a thumb.
Photos / Sounds
What
Cissia cheneyorumObserver
mjplagensDescription
Rare to see satyrids at flowers. Conditions were very hot and dry.
Photos / Sounds
What
Yellow Trumpet Flower (Tecoma stans)Observer
mjplagensDescription
Growing on a slope of about 30% with ocotillo and mesquite.
Comments
Very nice, if I can't be there this year it is nice to see some images at least.
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