Life after Goldenrod

In late summer a succession of asters gradually supplants goldenrod as the sustaining flower for the nectar seekers of Halibut Point.

Leonard's Skipper butterfly, aster, goldenrod

In October the diversity of flying insects diminishes. Various bees make up an increasing proportion of the insects still foraging on flowers.

Honey Bee, Apis mellifera

While initially they stay partial to goldenrod, as those flowers fade asters become the main attraction. The bees will have food for an additional few weeks.

Sweat Bee, Lasioglossum sp.

Since most of them are quite a bit smaller than Honey Bees, their elegant details of attire are harder to appreciate.

Metallic Green Sweat Bee, Halictidae sp.

And it's not as easy to get a good look when they're also constantly on the move investigating nectar sources.

Eastern Bumble Bee, Bombus impatiens

On the other hand plump, amiable Bumble Bees forage languidly usual. Just to look at them you might think summer will never end...

Thread-waisted Wasp, Ammophila nigricans

...but diversely configured wasps that earlier enlivened the landscape have become scarce... 

Colorful Foliage Ground Beetle, Lebia viridis

... fewer beetles visit the upper layers of the meadow....

Mason Wasp, Euodynerus foraminatus

...and other foragers search for the last bits of sustenance.

Striped Sweat Bee, Agapostemon sp.

Shorter days and the lower angle of the sun are bringing a sense of closure to the season. I suspect that conservative flowers time the opening of their pollen and nectar reservoirs with sunshine and warmth, extending the pageantry into the middle hours of a fall day.