Hello, there!

A tiny preying mantis came to visit.

He was easy to mistake for a stick.

Red bugs

I found a cluster of these little critters on my creeping Jenny plant.  They look pretty cute, but...they are Leaf footed nymphs.  When fully developed they ravage gardens sucking the life out of vegetables.  Good thing a soap and water spray kills the nymphs easily.  See here

Bee nice

I got so excited.  I was sure I was seeing a rusty patched bumble bee.  They are an endangered species,(see here)  and I've been watching for them. But instead this one is an Eastern carpenter bee. (see here)  My husband has been warring with them in the spring, trying to keep them from putting holes in the house.  Oh well.

Little friend

This little guy is TINY!  I found him on a pepper plant when I was picking off caterpillars in the garden.  I was sure I'd never identify him, but I searched for tiny green cricket, and his picture came right up.  He's a nymph of a bush Katydid-Scuddaria furcata.  I hope he eats bugs and not plants...