28-AUG-2012
Leafhopper (Draeculacephala sp.)
This very attractive little leafhopper, is also known as a sharpshooter leafhopper, and is in the sub-family Sharpshooters (Cicadellinae). They primarily feed on grass and sedge, and Diane photographed this one in the Amphibian Pond.
28-AUG-2012
Goldenrod insects
Nectar sources are becoming more scarce, and goldenrod remains one of the best places to find insects. Asters are beginning to bloom and they will also be productive into the fall. On this flowerhead there is an ambush bug, a locust borer (long-horned beetle), and a mating pair of pennsylvania leatherwings (soldier beetles). The locust borers are really in evidence now. I must have found 20 on goldenrod, without even trying.
22-AUG-2012
Parasitic wasp (Leucospis affinis), female
This tiny little wasp is checking out the bee box for leafcutter bee nests which she will then parasitize. If you look closely, you can see her ovipositor is folded along her back, out of the way. Very ingenious. You can also see that it looks pretty sturdy, which it has to be to probe into the well-constructed nests and lay her eggs.
22-AUG-2012
Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), two views
Here are two views of the mantis, brown form, one showing the back, the other with the insect looking directly at the camera. Perhaps posing and showing his best side!
22-AUG-2012
Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa)
This is the brown form of the praying mantis (or, European mantis as it is sometimes called). It was found in the butterfly meadow. Earlier, a lovely vivid green one was noticed not far from where we saw an American Bittern!
Yes, a bittern was seen today, standing amidst some sow-thistle. A wonderful sight! The first American Bittern at the FWG was found about 8 years ago in the pond. Of course, they could be here more than we know, for if nobody is around to see them...
21-AUG-2012
Grizzly spur-throated grasshopper (Melanoplus punctulatus)
This grasshopper spent much time selecting a hole in one of the bee boxes, in which she appeared to be ovipositing. She finally selected this one, and inserting her abdomen wriggle it down into the hole and sat there, presumably egg-laying, though I don't know for sure.
21-AUG-2012
Beewolf wasp (Philanthus ventilabris)
This beautiful wasp is nectaring on goldenrod. They get their confusing name of beewolf from the fact that they prey on bees with which they stock their nests for the larvae to feed on.
21-AUG-2012
Cabbage white (Pieris rapae) on mustard
This was taken in the section of the old field which was rototilled a few months back. All sorts of plants have grown there, including lots of mustards, which in turn are attracting the cabbage whites.
21-AUG-2012
Beewolf (Philanthus)
Another new addition to the FWG insect list, this large (about 14 mm) wasp is very attractive in both pattern and colour. They are called beewolf, because they catch bees (and sometimes wasps) to put in their nests for the larvae to eat.
16-AUG-2012
Leafhopper (Gyponana octolineata)
A gorgeous green leafhopper, quite large as far as leafhoppers go, that came to the sheets when we were mothing at the FWG one night. It remained there the entire time. This lovely photo is by Diane.
21-AUG-2012
Sand wasp (Bicyrtes)
Every August, these large wasps (approx. 17 mm)turn up and nectar on the goldenrods. I find them very, very attractive, very cleanly black and white, with green eyes. TThey tend to prey mostly, if not exclusively, on stinkbugs (Pentatomidae).
21-AUG-2012
Autumn meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum)
I have not seen a lot of dragonflies or damselflies around the FWG this year, but today was one of the better days, with several of these guys, a couple of common green darners, a tiny sedge sprite (damselfly), and 3 or 4 mosaic darners which did not land and flew much too fast to get a good look at, other than to note they were mosaic darners. With all the rarities turning up around the region, I keep hoping one or two will appear at the FWG.
