27-AUG-2015
Midge (Axarus festivus)
A relatively large midge which, when fresh, is a vivid green with three red bands on the head. (CH)
27-AUG-2015
Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
These beautiful plants native to eastern North America, have been planted in both the BYG and Butterfly meadow at the Fletcher Garden, where they attract numerous insects including many bees. The name Obedient Plant derives from the fact that one can move each individual flower and it will stay in the new position.(CH)
27-AUG-2015
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) on knapweed
A very pretty photo by Barry who found this honey bee on knapweed (a non-native, sometimes invasive plant, but which provides nectar for many insects). (CH)
27-AUG-2015
Eastern cottontail rabbit
A good year for rabbits all over the area, including at the garden. These animals have cyclical rises and falls in population, and I can remember years when we never saw a rabbit for 2 or 3 years running, and then they would be back and numerous for a couple of years, before declining again. (CH)
27-AUG-2015
Pelecinid wasp, female (Pelecinus polyturator)
Males of the species are rarely seen. This is the female and what looks like a stinger is really her very long ovipositor. Photographed by Barry. (CH)
27-AUG-2015
Chickweed geometer moth, male (Haematopis grataria), #7146
Barry took this great shot of the very pretty, colourful day-flying moth. With its pink and yellow colouring it looks more butterfly-like than moth. The big feathery antennae indicate it is a male. (CH)
27-AUG-2015
Possiblly Meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius)
Meadow spittlebugs are masters of disguise with at least 30 variations possible, so that identifying them can be a challenge.(CH)
27-AUG-2015
Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Treefrogs, heard more often than seen (they have a bird-like trill) always thrill when they are found. They can change colour, in a limited way, depending on various factors including where they are perched. Another gray treefrog, more gray than green, can be found at the beginning of this gallery. (CH)
27-AUG-2015
Scentless plant blug (Harmostes)
A nice sharp photo from Barry, of this attractive plant bug on goldenrod.
22 August
Black Swallowtail butterfly on Joe-Pye weed
A long story from Sandy: A week or so ago a friend gave me three Black Swallowtail chrysalises believing that they would remain in that state over winter and she had nowhere to store them. I took them home, thinking to put them into the FWG shed once the weather got colder. However, as I sat down to work at my computer early Saturday evening, a large dark butterfly flew across my office. I managed to catch it, put it into a mesh box, and drive it to the FWG where I released it in the Backyard Garden... (continued)
22 August 2015
Black Swallowtail under UV light
A long story, continued: A friend, Roger Letourneau, happened to be in the Backyard Garden when I released the butterfly. I showed it to him and, as the butterfly was happy to sit relatively still on the flower head, we both took photos. Roger then produced a flashlight that he was experimenting with and soon discovered that butterfly wings glow under UV light. He took this amazing photo using a macro setting on a hand-held camera under very low light conditions. For anyone who is interested, the flashlight is an "LSD 3AAA Aluminium Invisible Blacklight Detection Ink Marker 21LED UV Ultra Violet Mini Portable Flashlight Torch Light Lamp" which sells for $5.97 on Amazon.ca" (SG)
21 August 2015
Bumble bee visiting Closed Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)
Lisa got this great shot of a bumble bee forcing its way into a Closed or Bottle Gentian, which never opens its petals. Smaller bees are not strong enough to do this.