While hanging out with the WooFPAK at their home in Maryland, WooFDriver observed this very interesting looking Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)! Wheel Bugs have a very distinctive shape and the young nymphs can be identified by their noticeable red abdomens. They prey on a wide variety of insects and can be found hunting around flowers where pollinators are feeding. It is advised that you do not handle these creatures as they can cause a painful, numbing bite!!
Here are a couple links to learn more about the Wheel Bug:
June 24, 2021, while sitting outside his home with the WooFPAK in Maryland, WooFDriver noticed and captured this unique and amazing wasp(Megarhyssa greenei)! The Megarhyssa greenei is a species of Ichneumonoids, parasitoid wasps. There are many species that are considered beneficial because they naturally control agricultural pests.
The female of this wasp species has a several inch long ovipositor for drilling, then laying eggs in tree trunks. This ovipositor is often mistaken for a scary large stinger, but it gives them their nickname of ‘stump stabbers’! Some species within this genus of wasp are known for having the longest ovipositor of any other insect. Ichneumonoids are for the most part solitary insects, and the larvae feed on or in another insects.
Here are links to learn more about these awesome flying creatures:
https://www.knowyourinsects.org/Hymenoptera1.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megarhyssa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichneumonoidea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovipositor
Enjoy the pictures WooFDriver has captured…
September 27, 2020, while settling into his new home in Maryland, WooFDriver noticed and captured these pair of mating Robber Flies(Asilidae)! Also known as Assassin Flies!! These predatory flies are often seen perched exposed, waiting for their prey of many other insect species. They have a 1-3 year life span and are observed worldwide. Just be careful to approach as Robber Flies will bite if they feel they are being mishandled!
https://bugguide.net/node/view/151 to learn more about these winged creatures
Enjoy the pictures WooFDriver has captured…
On September 9, 2016 the WooFDriver and his crew took to the Stony Valley Railroad Grade Trail for a WereWooFS adventure and found these Land Snails(terrestrial gastropod mollusks) crawling on headstones! Maybe they made their way here as most Land Snails only live one year! Some others however are known to live a little longer at 2-3 years.
Wikipedia’s Webpage to learn more about Land Snails
Enjoy these photos of snails the WooFDriver captured!
On June 26, 2016 while out on a WereWooFs Midnight Mush, WooFDriver captured some Wolf Spiders(Hogna lenta)! The Wolf Spider’s bite is toxic but is not fatal, however very painful as their fangs puncture and tears skin. The swelling, redness and pain can lasts up to 10 days!!
http://wolfspider.org/wolf-spider-bite/ to learn more
Enjoy these pictures the WooFDriver has captured!
On June 6, 2016 while Free Range running the WooFPAK, the WooFDriver noticed this little Yellow Sac Spider(Chiracanthium inclusum). These spiders have no problems biting a human that disturbs or threatens it! Although not deadly, their bite is toxic and can cause skin irritation, burning, swelling and pain! This little critter is best to be avoided!
Insect Identification Website to learn more about this spider
On November 5, 2015 the WooFDriver took the WooFPAK out on a Mushing Tour and found this Hornet’s Nest on the side of the trail! Hornets (Vespa) are mostly found in the Northern Hemisphere. The common European Hornet was accidentally introduced to North America around the mid 19th century. The live in the same latitudes as in Europe but never found in western North America.
Wikipedia’s Webpage to learn more about Hornets
Enjoy this album of several sightings of Hornet’s Nest seen on the WooFDriver’s adventures!
WooFDriver and his crew took the WooFPAK on a Midnight Mushing tour of the C&O Canal Tow Path when they came across this cave. Once inside they noticed they were not alone, they were surrounded by Cave Crickets(Rhaphidophoridae)!
Cave Crickets are found in forest environments, animal burrows, cellars, under stones, in wood and of course in caves. They only look vaguely similar to the well known Field Cricket and are from a different superfamily (Grylloidea).
Wikipedia’s Webpage to learn more about Crickets
Please enjoy this photo album of Crickets the WooFDriver has captured on his adventures!
While Free Range running the WooFPAK, WooFDriver noticed these Water Beetles swimming in the stream! I found it interesting to learn that most water beetles can only live in fresh water, but there are a few marine species that live in inter-tidal waterways. There are approximately 2000 species of true water beetles throughout the world! I think the Dragonflies in the video were very interested in them as well!
Wikipedia’s Webpage to learn more about Water Beetles
The Black and Yellow Garden Spider(Argiope aurantia)! Adults are most visible in the summertime and commonly found in garden areas, parks and woodlands making their webs about knee height off the ground in sunny areas.
Insect Identification Website to learn more about this spider