Assassin's Creed

Assassin Bug (Nymph)

Just in time for the release of the "Assasin's Creed" movie I received this picture of a bug to identify. Turns out it is not only a 'bug', but a true bug, a member of the order Hemiptera, a large order of piercing sucking insects that includes aphids and bed bugs. This one is a little more welcome than the previously mentioned bugs: it's a predator of aphids and other harmful insects.

Jawdropping Fall Color at the Arboretum

There, I've used a Buzzfeed keyword; it is well deserved however. Right now we're probably looking at the last gasp of really spectacular fall color until next year; this is because the heavy rain predicted for this evening may just well knock off most of the fall foliage that is currently peaking here at the Arboretum.

A species Liquidambar near the Peacock cafe. 

Crepe myrtle in full color near the Peacock Cafe. 

Aloes starting to bloom in the South African section. 

Crepe myrtle (right) and Persian ironwood (left)

Persian ironwood. 

Wild wisteria vine growing on trees on the north edge of the Tropical forest section. 

Wild wisteria and wild grape vines clambering on foliage on the north side of the Tropical forest. 

Pink Handroanthus paulensis blooms (right) surrounded by white Shaving brush tree blooms. 

Pink Handroanthus paulensis  and white Pseudobombax ellipticum blooms on the east shore of the Baldwin lagoon. 

Ginkgo biloba tree framing Cycads. 

Ginkgo biloba tree framing Cycads. 

Fall at the Arboretum