This huge gorgeous yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) has been hanging out in my school garden for a few weeks.
#Arachtober #Invertebrates

I found a super cute hairy tufted jumping spider today.
#invertebrate #BackyardRefuge

It has emerged! And it’s been identified as a rustic sphinx moth.

This beautiful (and wriggling!) chrysalis was found in my school garden in Albuquerque this week. So far no ID on #Inaturalist. Suggestions? Found near ash and desert willow trees.
#InvertID

The monsoon has returned! The acequias are flowing in Albuquerque. I got over an inch of rain at my house after a month of drought. A much needed respite for plants, animals and humans.

I just spotted my garden’s first praying mantis of the summer, preying (ha) on a bumblebee. So cool to see its mandibles at work! #InverteFest #BackyardRefuge

I went to a workshop to create street art honoring New Mexico women. My print is of artist Florence Miller Pierce.

Something fun I learned this week: how to make paints in a myriad of colors using cochineal! So fun to experiment with different mixtures.

💫Here's to the next chapter in my journey: I'm thrilled to announce I'm now represented by Kathleen Rushall at @andreabrownlit.bsky.social! 📖

Abq’s Sandia foothills are in bloom & abuzz! Highlights: a glorious cliff fendlerbush full of pollinators, including a fuzzy bee fly and pollen-laden sweat bee; a slender patch-nose snake; & hearing a Scott’s oriole, Cassin’s vireo, & canyon wren.

#CityNatureChallenge #invertefest #inaturalist

The acequia is flowing, the cottonwoods are leafing out, and the wood ducks are nesting. I’m ever grateful for the resilience of the natural world. Happy Earth Day!

#NewMexico #EarthDay

Views of the 2023 annular solar eclipse from New Mexico: pinhole camera series with hollyhock leaves