Mystery Bug & a Fly on Goldenrod

Wallpaper Description:

I've learned a lot about goldenrod during the past month. I have my daughter in law to thank for that, as she has a large patch of it growing by the side of her house.

Goldenrod is a beautiful plant when in bloom. There are an amazing variety of insects that pollinate it. The photos I took have many interesting ones at work.

Because goldenrod is pollinated by insects, it is Not the plant that causes sneezing, and itchy watery eyes. Another plant; which blooms at the same time, ragweed, is the real culprit. Ragweed is wind pollinated, and spreads it's spores through the air, making many people miserable in the late Summer and early Fall. Because goldenrod is a much brighter and showier plant, it often gets the blame.

PS. There are 100 to 120 species of goldenrod. I just learned that the kind I took photos of is called Canada Goldenrod. Since I live fairly close to the Canadian border, I guess that I shouldn't be surprised.

CollieSmile

The mystery insect is beautifully striped and has red legs. I believe it is either a painted hickory borer or a locust borer. (If anybody can figure it out, I would love to know!) In the lower right corner of the wallpaper is a beautiful (but germy!) green bottle fly.

Here are links to all of my goldenrod photos:

(1) Mystery Bug & a Fly on Goldenrod:
(That's this one.)

(2) Cup Plant Seed Heads:
https://nature.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/2307906/

(3) Bumblebee on a Goldenrod Star:
https://nature.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/2307907/

(4) "Corn on the Cob" Hoverfly on Goldenrod
https://nature.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/2307908/

(5) Black Thread Waisted Wasp on Goldenrod
https://nature.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/2307909/