"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings."
Hodding Carter Jr.

20 May 2008

Today's lessons in entomology

We ventured back to the Arboretum again for a closer look at Big Bugs. And a tasty lunch.
Speaking of lunch, I hope that spider isn't hungry.
Question 1a: Is the winged beauty behind Grandpa and the kids a dragonfly or damselfly?
The ants go marching two by two... Will has his ant mandible out and ready to chomp!
"Stand back, Elle; I'll protect you from this vicious ladybug!"
I asked Ellie to hop like a grasshopper. I'm not sure her feet left the ground, but she bopped, at the least. I was impressed. ;)
Question 2: Is a daddy long legs a spider?
Question 1b: Is this winged beauty a dragonfly or damselfly? (Yes, asking Grandma or Ellie qualifies as cheating.)
Our resident busy bee introduces one of her comrades. Lucky for us, Ellie rarely stings (stinks is another story...) and she's sweet as honey.

For the curious among you, the answers to today's quiz:
1a. A dragonfly (note its horizontal wings)
2. No; a true spider has venom and two segments to its body. A daddy long legs has no venom and has but one body segment.
1b. A damselfly (when it rests, its wings close like a butterfly's)

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