Fascination and Frustration

Insects and spiders are amazing creatures, and while the diversity is remarkable, making their identification can be frustrating.  Some species are easy to ID, but most require hours of research in reference books and websites.  It turns out that many do not even have common names.  Anyway, with what seemed to be a tremendous amount of time devoted to catching and researching, I have added around 40 new insect/spider species just this week to my year list. 

This Pyrgota Fly was attracted to my yard light.  After mating, they lay a single egg on a May Beetle, which hatches and kills the beetle.  

This tiny Stilt Bug was feeding on a flower in my yard.