predators

Having more and taller plants on the bosque is allowing for not only more insects, but a wider variety of them, more complex communities and bigger bodied ones. There is a large supply of unusual predators here too

 Robber flies mating

Preying mantis was probably released from a gardener protecting their roses from aphids. The Bee killer on the right is holding a domestic bee, at least it isn't a "murder hornet". I was close enough to see it was simultaneously expelling fluids as well, and flew off when I got too close for a better picture. There were many other species of wasp too, but there is many problems with trying to photograph many species of wasps...

The hot weather is also bringing in other beetles that look spectacular

The one on the left is a jewel beetle and is raising a large brood on sunflower stalks. The one on the right is some sort of flower longhorn beetle. The long, lush undergrowth is bringing in some awesome creatures, however I fear the MRGCD is about to come through and shave down everything their mowers can reach....

Our family went to the Valles Cadera recently (which is closed). The lesson I picked up there was that if you want big creatures, you need a big space. The preserve has the usual amazing collection of insects and flowers all wetlands have, but also they had the prairie dog, birds, and elk that a big open space can provide.

            

             

                 

Our little scuzzy ditch does have rabbits, gopher, squirrels, coyotes and lots of migratory birds though,,,not bad for a public space smaller than many of the bigger private properties back yards.