Some of my sunflower leaves look like this. Caterpillars and grasshoppers are my best guess as to who would do such a thing...
I knew there were at least 5 wheel bugs living on one large sunflower plant near the pool, so yesterday evening I relocated two of those wheel bugs to the sunflowers growing near the chicken coop and garden.
The sunflowers near the garden are about 8-10 feet tall now, and look like they're going to get a bit taller before they open into full bloom. These wheel bugs have their work cut out... eat those caterpillars!!
This one decided that I didn't put him in the right spot...
...so up, and over to the next pant he went.
Perfect. Now go find a snack!
More zinnias opened up, and they're bright gorgeous colors! I love the orange ones...
...and the pink ones, too!
I have a red velvet sunflower full of blooms, too! In fact, this flower is blooming on the same plant that the first wheelie bug lives on. He's doing a good job of keeping it pest free!
Those are such cool pics of those wheelie bugs. Wish I had a few of them to eat up all the grasshoppers that are munching on everything right now. Your sunflowers are going to be so pretty!
Posted by: Troy Louise | July 21, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Love the zinnias; a great classic, summer flower!
Posted by: Bev J. | July 21, 2010 at 05:35 AM
Finally, a bug with a good purpose ... you go guys! Your red velvet sunflower is stunning ... I've never seen one that color before.
Posted by: bonnie weiss | July 21, 2010 at 03:49 AM
youse guys better watch dem bugs close, cause no tellin who is doing the nasty to your flowers! If those wheelie bugs dont "getter done" I want a couple for the "wax museum" If they are not helpin out....Love, Dad Oh, the pink flowers are lovely.
Posted by: DK Wight | July 20, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Yikes those poor plant leaves look horrible I hope the Wheelie bugs do their job.
Posted by: Ida | July 20, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Go wheelie bug Go !!! Save Anna's flowers.
Posted by: Carol Dee | July 20, 2010 at 09:33 PM
Anna, I dont know what I'd do if I didnt know what was going on at the farm everyday. Thank you so much for your daily posts. I feel like I live next door. Thank you from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Posted by: Kathryn | July 20, 2010 at 08:31 PM
I love it when the bugs aren't just scary or stinky - but actually do some good! Earn their keep (so to speak). Cool photos!
Posted by: Sharli | July 20, 2010 at 07:02 PM
Gorgeous color of zinnia! They are one of my favorite summer blooms. Beautiful! And what a wonderful color of sunflower too!
Posted by: Jennifer Woodward | July 20, 2010 at 06:16 PM
Oh, the original stinker has FRIENDS!!! I hope they get whoever is eating your leaves up!
Your flowers are gorgeous...what a beautiful color of sunflower! And all the others are great, too...
Have a great week! Stay cool if possible! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | July 20, 2010 at 04:52 PM
Those bugs look downright prehistoric!
Posted by: doris | July 20, 2010 at 04:36 PM