The strange case of the blue bug that's not a bug

This is a blue sow bug infected with the Iridovirus (don't worry, humans can't catch it!). The virus causes reflected light to be blue. This bug is sick and won't last long.  More info. at Project Noah. KS

They're called assassin bugs for a reason!

This is the Assassin Bug. They live throughout the world. Over 100 types of assassin bugs live in North America. They use a "beak" that is kept tucked under its. Head to pierce its prey. They eat other insects and will attack insects larger than themselves. THEY WILL BITE HUMANS. it's a very painful bite. Don't not handle. They come in many colors and sizes. KS

Snail surprise in Santa Margarita

Katrina photographed this dark-bodied glass snail  in her Santa Margarita garden. These interesting snails are native to Western Europe but have migrated to North America. They live in decaying matter and can tolerate colder weather -- they are even found in Montana!

Orb-weaving wonders

Katrina Sharon captured these images of orb-weaving spiders at work in her Santa Margarita garden. Pretty amazing and beautiful! More info. about these spiders at Spiderzrule