cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49563756

Great Lakes region, USA. July 2026.

The common, but beautiful mud dauber wasp. I can see my terrible form in its abdomen. I need to tuck my elbows more.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49453046

Great Lakes region, USA. July 2026.

I suspect it's a cuckoo wasp, but I'm not sure of the species.

Found in Southern Ohio, USA

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49064927

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48945828

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

I like this shot a bit. It had turned its head towards me before taking off. I love seeing so many dragon and damselflies out and about. One sign of a healthy ecosystem.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48903897

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48903715

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

A beautiful little wildflower that blooms pretty much everywhere. Look at those Lepidoptera ova, too cute.

This one might be a stretch to fit here, but I think it fits.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48902800

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

I was walking around a nature preserve I like to frequent and almost ran headfirst into this caterpillar. It was about 6' off the ground and had about 30' to go. I'm surprised I was able to get any decent shots.

Also check out the sweetflag and the sundew.

Three hatched and departed successfully. First year with an enclosure.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48775212

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

I believe it's an Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis). I saw a plethora of dragonflies down by the river today.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48460055

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

The most adorable little grasshopper on a tickseed.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48459773

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

I haven't seen too many of these skippers yet.

Jumping spider hanging out on the fence

@arachnology

#spider #arachnid #photography #bigeyes #macro #iridescent #nature #year2026 #SonyA7rIII #laowa #neatobuilds

Photographer @mrpistachios@mastodon.neatobuilds.com

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47868908

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

The dragonflies and damselflies are in full force. I saw no less than a hundred nymph exoskeletons clinging to plants. I like to think this one was was returning to its exuvia.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47819935

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47645840

Great Lakes region, USA. May 2026.

I'm not sure of the particular species.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47601799

Great Lakes region, USA. May 2026.

One of the coolest looking bees IMO. That emerald green is so pretty.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47557205

Great Lakes region, USA. May 2026.

A rather cool looking beetle. Those antenna are glorious.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47450257

Great Lakes region, USA. May 2026.

I don't usually find flies to be cute, but that proboscis and those eyes make me think of a dog panting.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47394019

After some difficulty I finally got some decent shots! I even had a Karen come and demand to know what I was doing. These are uncropped and shot handheld. I'm surprised their wings froze so well. This first one is 1/800s and the second 1/1250s.

I saw a decent amount of these green darners today. I tried to catch some getting jiggy with it, but that flopped. They're an elite insect IMO. Throughout their lives they're master swimmers and master flyers.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47371407

Great Lakes region, USA. May 2026.