18-Aug-2021
Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica)
This non-native species in the Scarab Beetle family, is widespread in both gardens and in natural areas. If it wasn't so unwelcome, I think many would find it attractive!
18-Aug-2021
Grass-carrying wasp (Isodontia mexicana)
A native species, relatively common in mid-summer, sometimes seen carrying long strands of grass to make a nest, hence the common name.
18-Aug-2021
Flat-topped aster (Doellingeria umbellata)
A very tall native aster, often found along sides of trails, here planted by the FWG pond; attracts a wide variety of nectaring insects.
18-Aug-2021
Assassin bug (Acholla multispinosa)
Found hiding on the stem of a black locust tree.
18-Aug-2021
Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia)
A familiar and common spider, often hidden in flower heads.
18-Aug-2021
Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae)
A common non-native butterfly, here nectating on the non-native knapweed.
18-Aug-2021
Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
In the butterfly meadow; this native plant attracts numerous bees, particularly bumble bees.
18-Aug-2021
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
In addition to the yellows of late summer, pink flowers such as this and the previous two plants are also a common sight, along with the various shades of blue of aster and chicory.
18-Aug-2021
Ambush bug (Phymata)
This common bug can be found on almost any flowering plant from mid-summer on, patiently waiting, often hidden, for prey to land and then attacking, hence the name, ambush bug.
18-Aug-2021
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
This very pretty native flower is planted in the Butterfly Meadow and spreading well.
18-Aug-2021
European paper wasp (Polistes dominula)
18-Aug-2021
Cup-plant flowers (Silphium perfoliatum)
These beautiful flowers are in the Butterfly Meadow and attract large numbers of bees and other insects.
