Extravagance

Though the characteristics of insects have everything to do with their purposes and little to do with our admiration, our sense of beauty delights in their variations. The goldenrod currently in bloom at Halibut Point are theatrically populated for observation.

A fly - Sphaerophoria, Hover Fly

It would seem that a spare and efficient anatomy would serve these creatures best in a hazardous world. However, many of them have developed spectacular shapes, patterns, and colors.

A bee - Augochlorini, Green-gold Sweat Bee

One approach to survival would seem take the low road of avoiding attention.

A bug - Chinavia hilaris, Green Stink Bug nymph

On the other hand, some species ward off danger by unmistakably advertising their toxicity to predators, or by gaining notice to avoid inadvertent harm.

A beetle - Megacyllene robiniae, Locust Borer

That high road of visibility alerts human sensibilities both pleasurably and ominously. A charming sight on the goldenrod is not as welcome crawling on your skin.

A moth - Atteva aurea, Ailanthus Webworm Moth

The unending insect variations tease both our orderly and our playful selves into pondering, Why?

A butterfly - Parrhasius m-album, White M Hairstreak

The White M Hairstreak bears a Disney-like name in reference to the "monogram" beside the orange dot on its hind wing. This photograph shows a hint of its sapphire upper wing surfaces visible only in flight. Opening them onto goldenrod flowers might assert an extravagance of color usually assigned by nature to the tempering greenness of lush tropical settings.

Danaus plexippus, Monarch

When it comes to finery the Monarch displays crowning elegance. It is large and languid enough to be admired by children as well as connoisseurs. If the smaller and speedier insects could be seen closely enough their own exquisite compositions might be similarly appreciated.