Arboretum: Stink Bug Prey and Snake Eyes

I found a stink bug nymph in the Arboretum this morning. It is probably an instar of the green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris), although it lacks the orange shoulder pads that I see in every other photo of green stink bug nymphs.

Stink bug with caterpillar
Stink bug with caterpillar

This stink bug has captured a caterpillar. It is probably injecting digestive enzymes to liquefy it, and will then suck out its contents.

Stink bug nymph with caterpillar
Stink bug nymph with caterpillar

The poor caterpillar has seen the last of its days.

Caterpillar pierced by stink bug mouthparts
Caterpillar pierced by stink bug mouthparts

I made my way toward the meadow. I didn’t see a garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) until it was close enough to surprise me. Can you pick it out in the photo below?

Find the snake

This snake was basking in the sun, something cold-blooded reptiles do to warm themselves.

Garter snake
Garter snake

I got close enough to get a good look at those eyes.

Eye of the garter snake
Eye of the garter snake

Our string of beautiful days, warm and sunny, continues…

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