11-AUG-2009
Common pondhawk, (Erythemis simplicicollis) female
This gorgeous dragonfly was also in that little stream just below FWG. Occasionally they fly upstream into the ravine, but not often as far as the pond. While wandering around FWG I saw a couple of the big mosaic darners, one of which was a Lance-tipped. The other didn't land, so no idea. Also saw an intriguing looking dragonfly that was zipping back and forth at the south end of the Ash woods. Sadly it vanished, but from the nano-second look I had at it, I wondered if it was a black-shouldered spinyleg. It was about this time last year that one turned up at the garden.
11-AUG-2009
Long-horned leaf beetles (Donacia sp.)
Although photographed today in the Arboretum, they are also found in the Amphibian Pond at FWG. They are usually easier to photograph in the Arboretum, however! Some Donacia beetles are quite spectacular. One in particular is a bright shiny emerald green. I haven't seen that one at FWG yet.
11-AUG-2009
Sand wasp (Bicyrtes sp.)
These are one of the most beautiful wasps, in my opinion anyway. They begin appearing about late July and by mid-August are fairly common, particularly on goldenrods. I love their big green eyes and their clean and shiny black and white colouration. These are members of the Crabronidae, or digger wasps.
08-AUG-2009
Inside a coneflower
Stephen Bégin was at the FWG on the weekend and took some gorgeous shots of flowers and insects. This one shows a great closeup of the Coneflower.
08-AUG-2009
Black-and-yellow mud dauber (Sceliphron sp.) on Queen Anne's lace
Another commonly found wasp around the area is this mud dauber, a member of the Sphecidae or Thread-waisted wasps.
07-AUG-2009
Paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus) on Pearly everlasting
One of the most common wasps at the garden, found from early spring right through to fall, but most abundant right now! Although often found nectaring on flowers, they are excellent hunters who will take prey as big as grasshoppers to feed to their larvae.
08-AUG-2009
Eye to eye with a grasshopper
08-AUG-2009
Grasshopper, perhaps Melanopus sp.
Grasshoppers are abundant right now. With many, you need to see the wing colour for ID purposes.
08-AUG-2009
Up close with a Japanese beetle
These scarab beetles are surely one of the most photogenic, though I doubt gardeners feel quite the same way about them if they become abundant in the garden.
07-AUG-2009
Male and female damselflies
Male damselflies often hold on to a female they have just mated with until she lays her eggs. This prevents other males from mating with her during that time.
07-AUG-2009
Black swallowtail butterfly
