South Fork Bear Creek, Shasta County, 7/29/06

Had just over an hour this evening to photograph at and near a pond on the South Fork of Bear Creek about 10 miles east of Shingletown. Far fewer odes at the pond since last time (July 6) and no new species. I photographed several grasshoppers as well as a Pacific Forktail and some White-faced Meadowhawks.

Male White-faced Meadowhawk.

Male White-faced Meadowhawk.

Male White-faced Meadowhawk.

Male White-faced Meadowhawk.

Same individual as above.

Male Pacific Forktail.

Grasshopper No. 1 - Probably Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum). See Plate 26 in "Field Guide to Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets of the United States" by Capinera, Scott, and Walker. 2004. (ISBN 0-8014-8948-2). This species is in the Spur-throated Grasshopper group. The "spur," a rounded, downward-facing projection, is visible in this photo under the chin and just behind the foreleg as it wraps around the plant stem.

Grasshopper No. 1.

Grasshopper No. 2 - also appears to be a Red-legged Grasshopper.

Closeup of Grasshopper No. 2 from above picture. Note red parasite (mite) on thorax.

Grasshopper No. 3.

Robber fly.