A moth sips goldenrod nectar after nightfall
During the day our showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) is visited by the usual sun-loving suspects: bumble bees, sweat bees, hover flies, butterflies, and so on. I was curious about what happens after dark, though, so I just popped out to have a look. It’s nearly as active at night, too, but with a different set of species!
I don't normally think of mosquitoes as pollinators, but our goldenrod was covered with mosquitoes sipping nectar. This one is a male.
Up close, a mosquito's eyes are gorgeous green.
A blister beetle mugs for the camera.
Oh, to have a straw for a mouth!
photo details:
Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens on a Canon EOS 7D
ISO 200, f/13, 1/200 sec, diffuse twin flash
A personal blog by Illinois-based biologist and photographer Alex Wild.
Beautiful pictures, Alex!
Thanks, Eduardo!
I love the night photos. The black background seems like it makes everything more striking. These might be some of my favorites.
Despite their deeds, mosquitoes are pretty animals.
Love the detail on the moth and mosquitoes. I was out photographing last night too. I think our days of outdoor photography this season are numbered…
Dave’s second sentence – :~{
And this – Based on visible pollen smeared on mouthparts and bellies, I have the impression the day crew (and the beetles thatwork into the night) are the more effective pollinators. But maybe those fine little moth proboscides move pollen more precisely and efficiently???
Yeah, that’s my impression too. The male mosquitoes seem to get pollen stuck on their antennae, but nowhere near so much as a bee’s face.
I love these beautiful photos Alex! Most folks don’t even realize there is a night crew! Keep up your gtreat work.
Great photos Alex, it’s amazing what’s out there in the dark. I’m finding mostly moths on the goldenrod in my yard.