Boneset Lovebugs

Posted by WiseAcre on Aug 12th, 2008
2008
Aug 12

I caught these love bugs in the act on their honeymoon bed.
Boneset flowers and bugs

Doing the Boogie Woogie on the flat top of a Boneset flower cluster.

Boneset Love Bugs

Love Bugs on Boneset flowers

Eupatorium perfoliatum - Boneset

Often found with Joe-Pye-Weed in wet low ground. It’s not as common as the Joe-pye-weed in this area but large colonies are easily found.

During flu epidemics of the 19th and early 20th century Boneset was used as a treatment. Boneset leaf tea was used to induce sweating. It was considered effective at the time and research has suggested Boneset has nonspecific immune system stimulating properties.  In large doses boneset is a laxative and emetic.

Personally I think any one who reported being ‘cured’ was just sick of the side effects.

Boneset - Eupatorium perfoliatum

Click above photo for a 1024 x 768 sized copy suitable to use as desktop background. Just right click on the full size image and select ‘Set as Desktop Background’ from the menu.

2 Responses

  1. Benjamin Says:

    Do you have a bug porn category? I wonder if I downloaded this on my campus computer if I’d still be allowed to teach.

    Benjamin,
    Not yet this is my first Bonking Bugs photo shoot. - You can always try claiming you only read the articles.

  2. Terry Lynch Says:

    Would you please send the above photo of copulating beetles to the MacroPhotoFest. See http://www.byteland.org/macrophotofest Thank you. Entry forms are at http://www.byteland.org/photofest

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