Today’s blog post is dedicated to some of the insects I’ve photographed while camping here at Black Mesa State Park. I’ll admit, insect identification isn’t my strong suit, especially when it comes to dragonflies. Rather than guessing, I’m hoping someone can help me out by leaving a comment below!
Most of these insects were photographed right at my campsite as I sat outside, observing the flurry of activity around me.
Grasshoppers Everywhere!
If I had to pick one insect that dominates this park, it’s definitely the grasshoppers. I’m used to seeing plenty of them at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near my home, but the numbers here are on another level. Imagine a horror movie scene—every step I took on a trail sent dozens of grasshoppers jumping in all directions. I was constantly brushing them off my clothes! It’s a wonder they aren’t in every photo I’m sharing today, although you’ll spot a couple of them in two shots.
Robber Flies – Familiar but Different
Back home, I often see Robber Flies, but I came across one here that stood out. Its vibrant red and yellow coloring caught my eye, unlike the usual ones I see. I also photographed one that looks more like the typical Robber Flies I’m used to, so I’ve included both photos in this post for comparison.
Sand Wasp (I Think!)
One of the coolest insects I spotted was what I believe to be a Sand Wasp. After doing a quick search online, I feel pretty confident about the ID, but again, I’m open to suggestions from anyone more knowledgeable!
Mystery Dragonfly
Dragonflies were also present, but I couldn’t even begin to identify this one. It was perched beautifully, so I snapped a few photos. If anyone knows what species this is, feel free to let me know!
Strange Beetle Encounter
During a hike, I came across a black beetle, and two things struck me as odd about it:
- It was hanging out near an ant mound, yet the ants didn’t bother it at all. These were Harvester Ants, known for being aggressive, but they seemed to steer clear of this beetle.
- It appeared to be mesmerized by a couple of bits of gravel. I watched it push and move the gravel around for a while. I’m not sure what it was doing, but eventually, it wandered off.
The Small Fascinations
I’ve always been fascinated by all wildlife, and that includes insects. It’s incredible how much activity you can observe if you just take the time to look closely, even when you’re not actively searching for anything in particular. Black Mesa has been a treasure trove of wildlife, and these tiny creatures are no exception.
If you recognize any of the insects I’ve photographed or have insights into their behavior, leave a comment below. I’d love to learn more!
I believe your dragonfly is a Striped Meadowhawk and the beetle is a Darkling beetle, I don’t know which species though.
As always, thank you my friend!