Ants and Red Velvet Mites

Red Velvet Mite

The ants were out in large numbers again this morning as were the Red Velvet Mites.  Recent heavy rain has made conditions right for these insects.  Not surprisingly one name for Red Velvet Mites is "rain bugs."  They're usually out after the monsoon storms get started.  The other thing most apparent on the daily trek for Dr. K, Willow and me was the extra high humidity.  There's probably a pretty good chance for more rain this afternoon.

Ancient Soaptree in the left branch arroyo

Willow leading Dr. K up the left branch arroyo

Red Velvet Mite

An odd find in the desert

A male Scott's Oriole

Dr. K with Willow on break

Red Velvet Mites (Trombidiidae)

Looking down on the right branch arroyo

Distant view of Tortugas and the Organs