u/Line____Down

Funny thing is, I didn’t plant any peppers labeled as cayennes, but here we are. His shape camouflage is pretty decent though.

Biggest one I’ve seen, they must have a nest nearby. They prefer the partridge pea in the morning and the purple coneflower in the afternoon for whatever reason.

I’ve seen a few with this pattern flying around the garden, but this one is by far the biggest. Such a striking bumbler. NE Iowa.

Last year it was soldier beetles, this year it’s large solitary wasps. Great black and golden digger wasps, lots of other smaller solitary wasps have joined the party too. A few smaller native bees as well.

The bumble bees are more interested in the partridge pea and pepper plants, probably easier for them to stand on those flowers. It’s always a pleasure to watch all the large pollinators congregate in the small garden space.

I’m in Iowa, I have a couple dozen habaneros and jalapeños in the ground with mulch. I’ve heard plants can tolerate heat better if it’s humid (which it always is here). Do I bother trying to shade my plants or just hope for the best?

Didn’t find a lot today, but I was very happy to spot this one in a public area. Girthiest one I’ve found in my 3 years of looking.