Wrinkled grasshopper (Hippiscus ocelote)

Death comes for us all. When death came for this longhorn beetle, other insects were grateful for theresource. A stilt-legged fly (Rainieria antennaepes) approaches, then retreats.Severalscuttle flies(Phoridae) are already feeding on the carcass. Many insects specialize on dead arthropods. But these flies are just grabbing the opportunity.

Salt is actually a rare resource in most of nature. Many insects, such as this flower fly, are acquire salt primarily from vertebrate bodies, such as urine, sweat, or tears. Here, this fly is lapping sweat from the arm of an entomologist who appreciates its beauty.

This is a mournfulthyrsi, a colorful, day-flying moth found in forests throughout the eastern US. As caterpillars, they feed only on the leaves ofgreenbrier (Smilax), a thorny vine that often irritates hikers. It’s fun to associate an attractive day-flying moth like this with the thorny plant that many curse.