Tree Dellinger: force of nature, tempest in a teacup.: Wordless Wednesday

Carpenter ants on a peony bud. No, they don't harm the flowers, nor are they are not necessary for the plant to bloom. Apparently they just like the secretions produced by the opening buds.

I love this image of new white oak leaves because of the pale celadon foliage and chartreuse pompom flowers underneath.

A firefly contemplating take off.

This little guy looks like a caterpillar dropping, but it's a warty leaf beetle, one of my absolute favorite beetles. You need to see one under the scope to truly appreciate the ornate sculpting and bronze coloration of the exoskeleton. You can see an excellent image of this at Bugguide.net.