I took the following pictures early in November, before the remnants of tropical storm Ida came through and beat down the asters. With the mums finished the bees and other insects had moved on to this:
Aster 'Miss Bessie'
Bees and butterflies aren't the only ones at the party. Lots of hoverflies too, which in my opinion are one of the most beautiful and photogenic groups of insects.
Look at those enormous chestnut-colored eyes
and the patterns and colors are so crisp.
Look at how tiny this particular hoverfly on the left is. He makes the little metallic green bee on the right (who is about the size of a honeybee) look enormous by comparison.
Other flies were nectaring too.
This guy is cute and a little bit grotesque at the same time.
There were still a few wasps flitting around, most too quickly to get their picture taken.
I don't know the name of this little insect, but he's certainly
colorful and would look more fierce if he was bigger.
To see more critters of all sorts, visit Camera Critters!
colorful and would look more fierce if he was bigger.
To see more critters of all sorts, visit Camera Critters!
Love that purple! Not too sure about the hover flies:)
ReplyDeleteYou mean I'm not the only woman who finds insects cute?! They DO have gorgeous eyes. (Do you think bats are cute, or garter snakes? I do!) And i can't get over the size of those asters--and that they're still in bloom. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteFabulous series of photos! I love the purple asters. I bought two this year and they all turned brown!
ReplyDeleteMy CC
Wow, those are some macros, a great series with lovely colors and lots to see!
ReplyDeleteWoW! That is some Aster! Great shots of the bees you got!
ReplyDeleteSweetbay,
ReplyDeleteThat Aster 'Miss Bessie' is huge. How long have you been growing it to get it so big? Wonderful series to enjoy while it is still too chilly to work outside.
love the flowers and the bees.
ReplyDeleteThat is the Mother of all asters! :)
ReplyDeleteI like the last little bug, he's rather cute!
A busy critter! Cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd these flowers are outstanding!
Happy camera critters
purrs and love
Luna - We love Luna
Wondefully detailed shots :) Great colour too.
ReplyDeleteI just got my daily dose of purple, thanks! Those sure are busy insects!
ReplyDeleteRosey
Sweetbay
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your appreciation if that makes sense.
What a simply stunning aster.
Rob
Hi Sweet Bay, I just hope you are getting royalties for all the sales of Miss Bessie at nurseries around the world! You are the best commercial for them ever! I love the little green bees.
ReplyDeleteFrances
You are the queen of insect photos, so distinct and well-defined. You must have lots of patience to wait for just the right moment for a shot.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, what a beautiful shrub! I can't believe all of the flowers. Thankfully, with most blooming finished in other plants, the bees have this one to feast upon!
ReplyDeleteJust what have you been feeding Miss Bessie - she is enormously healthy.
ReplyDeleteMighty aster! No wonder critters love it! Great pictures Sweet Bay!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Purple Asters. All your photos were simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments everyone!
ReplyDeleteMonica yes, I think bats and Garter Snakes are cute too. We have a lot of snakes here but stangely enough I have not seen Garter Snakes. Perhaps they camoflauge too well.
Miss Bessie is a tall aster, to around 5', if given enough food. The one in the first picture was planted in its current location a year ago, in a lean soil that was topdressed with compost and hay. I think that's how she managed to get that big without falling over.
Gorgeous aster photos!
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