Late-summer-active
Guides
Crossidius discoideus sayi
Crossidius discoideus sayi is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, native to western North America. It is recognized as a Batesian mimic of toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.), sharing their characteristic orange and black color pattern despite being harmless itself. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flower pollen and nectar, particularly from Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed). The larvae develop as root-crown borers in their host plants.
Eremnophila
thread-waisted wasps
Eremnophila is a genus of solitary thread-waisted wasps in the family Sphecidae, comprising approximately nine described species distributed primarily across the Americas. These wasps are specialized caterpillar hunters that provision subterranean nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae. Adults are frequent flower visitors, particularly to spotted horsemint (Monarda punctata), goldenrods, and other late-summer asters. A distinctive behavioral trait involves prolonged tandem mating, where males grasp females by the neck and accompany them during foraging activities.