A range of appetites — lust to dust — happening here. The crab spider has snagged a fly for supper and a pair of blister beetles are busy making baby beetles. Meanwhile, almost out of sight, another beetle minding its own business.
Blister beetles (one of the longhorn beetles) are a staple of our roses. Judging by last summer each rose will soon house at least one.
Although the beetles didn’t pay me any attention the crab spider was more alert and started to drag her meal off the petal.
The spider settled down after a few minutes and hauled her catch back up again.
Next time you pass a blossom take a second look — who’s living in your flowers?
Blister beetle Lytta spp. ?
Goldenrod crab spider Misumena vatia
Prickly wild rose Rosa acicularis (Provincial flower of Alberta)
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