The time of year when the asters and goldenrod are blooming (late summer to early fall) is the time of year when most social insects (insects that live in colonies) like honey bees are at their highest population for the year. The asters are one of the last major nectar flowers for the honey bees, and the asters are covered in them. At first glance it may seem to be all honey bees and other social insects (like hornets and bumble bees), but there’s actually quite a wide variety of pollinators drawn to them.
Melissodes (longhorn) bee with pollen on asterHoney bee in flight, new england asterThis is most likely an andrena bee, but the andrena clan is one I’ve not gotten around to thoroughly figuring out yet, so I’m not quite sure.Honey bee in flight, new england asterPainted lady butterfly on new england aster. I often don’t have much luck photographing butterflies when I am specifically trying to, but while just photographing whatever I could find on the asters, this butterfly landed directly in front of me.Honey bee in flight, asterBumble bee on new england asterHoney bee on new england asterCucumber beetle on heart leaved aster. This aster is less common in my yard, and I’ve been trying to encourage it. These flowers are on some new plants found in the lawn this spring and preserved from mowing.Honey bee on new england asterHover fly (sryphid fly) on an asterHoney bee in flight, new england aster
3 thoughts on “Aster Season”
Beautiful!
Your pictures are always captivating and beautiful, Brennah. I was particularly drawn to the early autumn colors this time.
Am I the only one that is mesmerized by the butterfly?
Beautiful!
Your pictures are always captivating and beautiful, Brennah. I was particularly drawn to the early autumn colors this time.
Am I the only one that is mesmerized by the butterfly?