The past couple of weeks have been a little chilly in the desert, with a fair amount of rain, and even snow in the mountains. Nighttime temperatures have been as low as 29°F, but during the day, insects and spiders have been active. I’ve not been on a decent bug hike since the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows started, but now, as they wrap up, and the weather gradually warms, I aim to get back outside again.
From a February 1st hike at the Camino Loma Alta Trail, at the southernmost part of SNP East – a Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus).
A couple of days ago, a strikingly beautiful stinkbug made its appearance in our backyard. A search identifies it as a predatory stinkbug, Tylospilus acutissimus.
The backyard spiders continue to entertain. This crab spider was not pleased when I got too close.
Another spider that I enjoy watching is this little orb weaver that’s been living on our Santa Rita prickly pear for the past several months. I’m not quite sure of the species, but I don’t believe it’s a labyrinth orb weaver – closely related, though. It’s been quite successful in catching prey in its webs.
Bug Talk 
Super macros! Love that Hairstreak.
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