These hemipteran nymphs were really difficult to capture because they wouldn’t sit still.  I wasn’t able to get great pictures unfortunately.  They measure to approximately 2 mm in length.  They look similar to carpet beetles, however there are a few clear dissimilarities.  First of all, the pattern on the back of the bug looks like some kind of tribal design.  The carpet beetle has more of a zigzag pattern on its back.  This bug’s shape flattens out at the edges whereas the carpet beetle is more of a bubble shape.  It also has very long antennae and thicker protruding legs compared to the carpet beetle.  Also they are about half the size of the carpet beetles.

Red-shouldered Stink Bug nymph – Thyanta custator

Red-shouldered Stink Bug nymph – Thyanta custator

Compare to the carpet beetle

Carpet Beetle

It was really difficult to photograph this wasp because it wouldn’t land on a surface so I could focus my lens.  I was only able to capture this picture.  The wasp is about 1.5″/4 cm long.  It has a long elegant body.

Possible Paper Wasp

The Spotted Cucumber Beetle is not a beneficial insect according to Wikipedia.org.  Instead it is considered to be a destructive pest that destroys crops, primarily corn.  It’s still very cute.

I believe this bee may have stung Cashew only because my cats have been really curious about the insects flying around the patio and frequently swat at them.  Well about 2 days ago, Cashew exhibited the most bizarre behavior.  She started running back and forth as if she got stung for more than a minute.  I’ve never seen this behavior before.  Who knows what really happened to the bee, but it is possible that it’s the bee that may have stung Cashew.

Upright Deceased Honey Bee

Honey Bee Close up on Sunflower Leaf