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.
This stink bug has captured a caterpillar. It is probably injecting digestive enzymes to liquefy it, and will then suck out its contents.
The poor caterpillar has seen the last of its days.
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?
This snake was basking in the sun, something cold-blooded reptiles do to warm themselves.
I got close enough to get a good look at those eyes.
Our string of beautiful days, warm and sunny, continues…