16-SEP-2014
Beetle (Paria sp. ?)
This exceptionally small Chrysomelid beetle was found on an oak leaf. I couldn't get a really sharp clear shot, unfortunately. I think it is likely a beetle in the genus Paria.
22-SEP-2014
Sweat bees (Agapostemon splendens)
These bees are being trapped in the kiosk in the butterfly meadow. Once it was noticed, volunteers took steps to fix the lid so it would not close entirely, allowing the bees to leave. They seemingly were able to get in before, but unable to leave. Not sure why they are so keen to get into this kiosk which is made of recycled plastic, not wood. Here, there are several bees which don't look too healthy, even though they had plenty of freedom to leave the structure.
22-SEP-2014
Hickory tussock caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae), #8211
These moth caterpillars seem to have had an extremely good year as I am finding them in great numbers in many locations. They are striking in their black and white colouration, not what we usually see with caterpillars. Quite dapper.
22-SEP-2014
Empty cocoon of red admiral butterfly
Last week I posted a photo of this cocoon in which the wing colour of the butterfly could be faintly discerned, a sign that it was almost ready to emerge. Today I found the now empty cocoon still clinging on to the nettle stem. Amazingly strong, given the fierce winds we've had lately and the way the nettle stalk is being whipped around!
22-SEP-2014
Backyard garden - new wall
Lis and her volunteers have been working hard on the fern trail which includes building this wall to hold some of the ferns typically found on rocky outcrops.
22-SEP-2014
Mallard, male
There were quite a few mallards in the pond including a number of males just beginning to get their colour back!
22-SEP-2014
Autumn comes to the butterfly meadow
The sunflowers are in full glory in the older section of the butterfly meadow. They contrast nicely with the rich purple of the new england asters in the foreground. Nature certainly knows how to create a pretty palette.
16-SEP-2014
Eastern cottontail
There are several rabbits hanging around the buildings, and more in the rest of the garden. They are getting too bold for their own good, as there are lots of dogs around. Hopefully they won't be caught.
16-SEP-2014
Red admiral cocoon (Vanessa atalanta)
I spotted the mature caterpillar of this species on September 6th in nettle. It formed a chrysalis (cocoon) shortly thereafter, also in nettle, and as you can see in this photo, the butterfly is almost ready to emerge. The cocoon has darkened and if you look closely, you can see some orange wing patterns. It could likely emerge tomorrow.
16-SEP-2014
Large green stinkbug (Chinavia hilaris)
From about late June, early July, onward, the nymphs of this species have been very noticeable throughout the region. The nymphs look very different from the adult and very different from one instar to the next. The adult, as you can see, blends in beautifully with the birch leaf. This stinkbug is one of the biggest in the area, measuring up to 19mm. A whopper in stinkbug terms!
11-SEP-2014
Spined soldierbug nymph (Podisus maculiventris)
A very colourful nymph which turns into a dull coloured, but still handsome, adult. These stinkbugs are predatory on other insects, unlike many other stinkbugs which confine themselves to eating plant matter.
11-SEP-2014
Northern green frog (Rana clamitans)
One of two sitting in the Backyard Garden pond. On occasion there have been up to 9 in the pond, too many for the very small size of the pond.
