08-SEP-2014
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)on butterfly bush
Monarchs are finally being seen around the area these days. Martha and I saw one on butterfly bush in the Butterfly Meadow (how appropriate!), and I heard that someone else saw four at the garden, later. Elsewhere in the region, the monarchs are being seen in increasing numbers as they fly southward. We all hope they will make it!!!
15-SEPT-2014
Gloeoporus dichrous
Autumn is definitely mushroom season, especially after a period of rain.
15-SEPT-2014
Large green stinkbug (Chinavia hilaris)
Barry caught this stinkbug sneaking a look at him, I think! These are one of our larger stinkbugs and are ubiquitous. As nymphs they can look entirely different in each successive instar and different again from the adult they become. These are not predatory on insects, feeding on plant matter.
15-SEPT-2014
Jumping spider
Barry photographed this little jumping spider on rudbeckia. There isn't enough detail to determine ID, although even if there were, it could be hard to properly identify as, like so much in the insect world, there are many species that look very similar. It might possibly be in the genus Eris.
15-SEPT-2014
Leafhopper (Coelidia olitoria)
Barry photographed this medium-sized leafhopper on an oak leaf. This species is pretty ubiquitous throughout the summer. In the earlier part of the season the nymphs abound, and as summer progresses, the adults begin to replace them.
15-SEPT-2014
Northern paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus)
These relatively large paper wasps used to be called common paper wasps, but more recently northern paper wasps. These wasps make smallish nests with exposed cells, out of wood fibre which they can often be seen scraping from wooden posts, trees, etc. The young (larvae) are fed insect food, particularly caterpillars, but the adults primarily feed on nectar.
15-SEPT-2014
Herbivory on dog-strangling vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum)
Signs of insect feeding on this very invasive plant are common, but catching the insect in the act is not! This is probably a nocturnal insect, likely a beetle. The minimal damage it does to the leaves has no impact on the ability of this species to thrive and spread like the proverbial wildfire. The feeding pattern of the recently introduced Hypena moth (for biocontrol of the plant - it is hoped) is quite different.
15-SEPT-2014
White-faced meadowhawks (Sympetrum obtrusum)
A common sight throughout the region, often in huge numbers.
15-SEPT-2014
Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa)
Common but not seen as often as they should be! When they fly, their white wings give them away. This non-native mantid is frequently sold in garden centres for pest control of insects such as aphids and other critters.
15-SEPT-2014
Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
A beautiful little treefrog photographed by Barry. These are quite common at the garden, particularly noticeable during breeding season in spring when the night is filled with their calls. They are also heard all summer calling from upland areas, perched on trees, grasses, and other vegetation.
15-SEPT-2014
Carrion beetle (Nicrophorus)
This poor carrion beetle is carrying a very heavy load of mites. While many insects are so afflicted, these beetles seem particularly prone to this and are often seen with even more mites than this one has.
