We spent the afternoon at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan. While wandering the beach at North Bar Lake, I was surprised by the interesting variety of winged insects found on recently beached piece of driftwood.
Normally, most driftwood appears rather dry and sterile, but this tree trunk-sized driftwood (see photo above) was resting right at the water’s edge. It was occupied by quite a range of flying specimens. Whether they were partaking the moisture in the wood or soaking up some sunshine in an elevated place, I don’t know. Here are the photos. Any help with identifying some of these would be most appreciated. Enjoy!
Green Lacewing with a mosquito to the right in this photo.
Unknown winged insect – any help welcomed
Five-banded Thynnid Wasp – species identified 7/24/20
Brown Stinkbug
Pink-spotted Lady Beetle
Banded Tussock Moth (Pale Tiger Moth) – species identified 7/24/20
SOURCES:
- https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Pink-Spotted-Lady-Beetle
- http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/vespidae.html
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/234/74792/Gibbs_-_Master_Gardener_Smaller.pdf
- https://www.butterflyidentification.org/information.php?primary_name=Banded-Tussock-Moth
- https://bugguide.net/node/view/1862407
problogic
Panethos 
I suggest you forward this to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago to get the remaining insects identified. They have experts there. You might have to ask them first for the right email address.
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Thank you, Jean. That’s a great idea.
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Was able to ID the moth from my post this afternoon – it’s a Banded Tussock Moth (also known as a Pale Tiger Moth).
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How lovely. Thank you.
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You are welcome
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