insects – Geeky Girl Engineer

Shenandoah Flowers and Insects

Posted on July 26, 2020 by geek

Last weekend I went to Shenandoah National Park to take photos of Comet NEOWISE, which of course, can only be seen at night. During the day I did some hiking, driving, and took lots of photos. Across from the northern visitor’s center, there is a small field that while I was there was filled with wildflowers, especially milkweed, bee balm, and thistle, and consequently also flying insects visiting those wildflowers. I spent a great deal of time taking photos of the flowers and the insects visiting them, one of my favorite activities. I am not completely positive about the identity, so comments with any needed corrections are welcome.

Field of wildflowers across from visitor’s center

Sunset over the Shenandoah Valley from Skyline Drive

Caterpillar Conga Line

Posted on February 17, 2020 by geek

While on a hike today in Sistiana, Italy, I saw an entire convention of caterpillars. One group was marching in a conga line on top of a wooden fence. The other group was further down the same length of the wooden fence and were gathered together in a mass. I have never seen anything like it. If anyone can identify these caterpillars and state if this is normal behavior, I would be happy to learn about it.

Shenandoah National Park

Posted on August 4, 2013 by geek

I spent the day hiking and driving in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It is a beautiful park, and the weather was perfect. I was also treated to many insects going nuts on the flowers. The park has wonderful views of the area, including views that make it clear how the Blue Ridge Mountains got their name. I have identified the insects that I can. If anyone who happens to read this can identify or correct my identification, please contact me. I love to get the identifications correct. Edited to add: Thanks to Derek and friends on Twitter who have helped me identify the animals on this page!]