Damselfly On The Rappahannock
Colorful damselflies roam the shoreline of the Rappahannock River in Virginia. I photographed this one during a summer canoe trip.
Little Wood Satyr
This Little Wood Satyr alighted on some vegetation just ahead of me as I hiked through a marshy, open forest. The strong, direct sunlight really lit up its wings.
Soldier Beetle on Daisies
Zebra Swallowtail Among Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Hiking past a large patch of Arrowleaf Balsamroot, I noticed a Zebra Swallowtail drifting from flower to flower collecting nectar and unwittingly spreading pollen in the process.
Great Spangled Fritillary 2
Banded Hairstreak
This little Banded Hairstreak was busily drinking nectar when I encountered it in a forest meadow. I didn’t seem to mind me taking photos. In fact, it didn’t even seem to notice I was watching it.
Mason Wasp
When I think of the color of bees and wasps, I think of yellows, oranges, and reds. This little Mason Wasp is black and white with beautiful blue wings. Sadly, it flew away before I could get a another photo showing more of the wing. From what I’ve read, they mainly feed on nectar and caterpillars.
Great Spangled Fritillary
Pearl Crescent
This Pearl Crescent butterfly rests peacefully in a bed of white and yellow flowers. According to “An Instant Guide to Butterflies” by Pamela Forey and Cecilia Fitzsimons, male Pearl Crescents patrol their territory and will fly at other butterflies and insects.