Oct302008
Name that bug
Filed under Cycling, wildlife by andrew wolfe at 10:53 am
I would have mistaken these bugs for seeds, if I noticed them at all. My dear and observant friend Lisa spotted them during a leisurely ride along the Mason-Greenville rail trail last weekend.
Can you identify this tiny insect?
She waved a hand gently in the air, as if brushing off invisible cobwebs, and coaxed one of the tiny critters to light upon her. Up close, they were beautiful. The thorax was an iridescent purple, the wings translucent. The wings were about the size of a common mosquito’s, but much more delicate and with a straighter leading edge, for an asymetric shape. The back end, or abdomen, was a tuft of snow-white fluff… tiny, yet the largest and most visible part of the bitty bugs by far.
Once Lisa spotted that one, and pointed them out, they seemed to be everywhere, drifting around like miniature milkweed seeds. I don’t recall ever noticing them before. If any entomologist out there can identify it, I’d be curious to know what they are.
For those who don’t know, the nine-mile unpaved rail trail is a terrific place to ride a hybrid or mountain bike, and Clover enjoys romping along there, too. There’s limited parking at the intersection of Pratt Pond Road, along Pratt Pond in Wilton. Watch out for horse droppings, and this time of year, wear some orange.
Add New Comment
Viewing 2 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks