28-AUG-2009
Garden cross orb weaver (Araneus diadematus)
More and more of these large orb weavers will be seen now, in late summer. The really big ones are the black and yellow argiopes. Best time to see them is early morning when the dew highlights their webs.
28-AUG-2009
Brown-hooded owlet caterpillar (Cucullia convexipennis), #10202
These beautifully coloured caterpillars are striking and eye-catching. They have turned up at the FWG for some years now, always around this time of year. As adults (moths), they are the opposite of colourful, being a nondescript brown job! Sandy photographed this one in the BYG.
27-AUG-2009
Hover fly (Spilomyia sayi)
I really love these large, very wasp-like flies. They are such great mimics, don't you think? This one was agitating its wings quite vigorously and hence you can see the shadow on the raspberry leaf which almost looks at first glance as if this fly has four wings (like a Hymenopteran).
27-AUG-2009
Apple maggot fly (Rhagoletis pomonella sp.) on crabapple
These fruit flies are beautifully patterned, often brightly coloured, particularly the eyes. They are NOT the same as the fruit flies we get around fruit in our houses. One theory for the black and white banded wings on flies in this family is that to predators they resemble jumping spiders when seen from behind (the banded wings look like the banded legs of many jumpers). Who knows? But again, isn't it an interesting example, if true, of mimicry?
26-AUG-2009
Youthful Underwing (Catocala subnata), #8797
This striking, large moth was found on the trellis in front of the Interpretive Centre. Sandy photographed it and Diane Lepage identified it for us. Now is the season for these underwing moths.
26-AUG-2009
Olive-sided Flycatcher
This is a great shot of a juvenile Olive-sided Flycatcher which Heather photographed at the FWG. This bird has been around for a few days and a number of birders have come to look for it. Heather said she saw two.
26-AUG-2009
Woolly bear feet (pseudopods)
Stephen Begin photographed the feet or more correctly, pseudopods of this caterpillar because as he says "I wanted to see why some caterpillars seem to be able to walk up glass (like this one) and some can't." Pseudopod, as you probably know, means "fake foot"! They enable the caterpillar to grasp onto things in a way that many other creatures can not.
26-AUG-2009
Ambush bug (Phymata sp.)
How close can you get? This phenomenal shot by Stephen Begin shows the face structure of these small bugs very well. Notice the swollen femora, a characteristic of these bugs. The Phymata are quite closely associated with the Reduviidae or Assassin bugs, and are sometimes considered a part of that family.
26-AUG-2009
White marked tussock moth caterpillar (Orygia leucostigma)
This caterpillar was found crawling along the sweater worn by Stephen Begin's friend. Often with caterpillars, it is difficult to decide which end is which!
24-AUG-2009
White marked tussock moth caterpillar (Orygia leucostigma)
Another view of this caterpillar
26-AUG-2009
Syrphid fly
One of many syrphids around the FWG these days. Stephen's photo shows the eyes well, though it is difficult to determine species from this angle, but possibly a Syrphus or Epistrophe.
22-AUG-2009
Hybrid or Downy Yellowjacket(Vespula flavopilosa)
Diane found this yellowjacket in the BYG