Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Chicory and friend

Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
I don't know the type of insect that was visiting this chicory plant and taking a nice drink, but it is exquisite as is this chicory flower.  I know chicory is not originally native to the U.S., but it seems that people liked its roots as a coffee substitute so much that it has spread throughout the world.  Young leaves are also a nice addition to a salad.  It's a cousin to endive.


Here's as much of a close up as I could get on this lovely, multicolored insect.  Does anyone have an idea?  It seems to have a distinctive pattern on its abdomen.  I'm guessing it may be a type of fly since it seems to have only one set of wings...or maybe not.


Regardless, I delight in the color and intricacy of the chicory flower and its mystery guest.  I am so grateful for all the color and designs of nature.  Mother, you are outrageously creative!  Thank you!
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4 comments:

  1. MarySeptember 5, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    Here's a comment from Chris: I think you are right. It's a fly. A Syrphid Fly, also known as a Flower Fly. What intricate markings on this little one.
    http://press.princeton.edu/sichuan/ syrphidfly.html

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  2. MarySeptember 5, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Check out the picture for Toxomerus marginatus at http://www.cirrusimage.com/Flies_syrphidae.htm
    Sure looks similar.

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  3. MarySeptember 6, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Chris' reply:
    Yes, that is even closer. Apparently this is a type of Hoverfly and there are 6000 different kinds of hoverflies. Who would have known? I'm not sure but we do now... :)


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxomerus_marginatus

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnteacherSeptember 7, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Awesome!!! How beautiful. Check out these pictures!
    http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/diptera/Toxomerus.htm

    ReplyDelete

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