Bombus Away

After a lingering slog of humidity, things have gotten cooler and drier here in the Borough of Kings. Today’s high is forecast to be 69, not the most optimal for insects. Their season is passing. I saw this bumblebee yesterday working a chicory, of the few flowering plants in Sunset Park now. The bumble was a bit sluggish. This large grub — 1.5″ long; I took it for a caterpillar at distance — was upside down but nonetheless moving with rhythmic pulsations. I gently rolled it over, thinking it would prefer to use its minor appendages, but it was having none of that and returned to this position. Then we both moved on to our destinies, whatever those might be. Yet I, for one, feel fairly sure that I will awaken tomorrow as a giant beetle…