Entomologically speaking...
... this Challenge shouldn't be that difficult. But as we've seen, sometimes these things can spiral out of control and present real challenges.
This summer has been a series of insect encounters. Luckily, few of them have been biting insects (mosquitos, ticks, ants, spiders, etc.), but instead they've been moments of beauty and wonder.
Thing is, these lovely creatures are sometimes difficult to identify. Even though I like to think I recognize most flora and fauna, I find it difficult to remember which kind of insect is which.
For today, three Challenges: Can you identify the common and Latin names of each of these?
A few hints to get you started: These are all local to where I live in California. I list the county name where each was observed.
1. What's this? (I spotted this at the Sunol Regional Wilderness, Alameda County, California.)
2. What's this? (Note that it's very similar, but not quite the same as butterfly #1. This one was found in Santa Clara County.)
3. What insect is making this sound? Can you figure out not just the kind, but also the genus and species names? (This was recorded around 6PM on a warm summer's day at the Pearson-Arastradero Space Preserve.)
Can you figure these out?
If so, let us know HOW you found them out. (How on earth will you figure out what kind of insect is making that sound?)
Search on!
