Bug Squad

"For some people, spiders can be at the same time fascinating and frightening. The helpful friend who caught that fly buzzing around your kitchen, and the pest that scared you in the shower.

Ever seen a crab spider hanging out on a flower? Yes? Ever seen a crab spider hanging out with two male longhorned bees that are sleeping overnight on a flower? No? Such was the case last night when a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola, drew two Melissodes agilis and one crab spider.

So here's this Gulf Fritillary, Agraulis vanillae, nectaring on a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola. It's National Pollinator Week. All's right with the world. The butterfly had visited a passionflower vine, Passiflora, its host plant. Now for a little fuel. The nectar is enticing.

Hey, the sun's up! It's time to rise and shine! Maybe I'll shine before I rise...or maybe I'll... Anyway, I just woke up, and I'm starting to stir. I'm ready to conquer the day. I shall Sip nectar Seek girlfriend Guard the flower patch by dive-bombing and chasing off all critters. Repeat.

If you're a student 18 or under, here's your chance to name a spider species. You'll win the distinction of being selected the winner, and you'll be acknowledged in a scientific paper.