02-JUL-2013
Metallic wood-boring beetle probably Agrilus sp.
This was an exceptionally tiny Buprestid beetle. It appears to be in the Genus Agrilus, but could be one of several species of small bronze coloured beetles in that genus.
02-JUL-2013
Mating Asian ladybeetles (Harmonia axyridis)
Lots of these non-native ladybeetles around, both in their adult stage and in larval form. These beetles can be deep red, as here, or orange, they can have many spots, a few spots or not spots at all.
02-JUL-2013
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
A fairly common non-native plant of woodland edges, roadsides and disturbed areas. The flowers, when looked at closely, are very pretty and complex.
02-JUL-2013
Currants (Ribes)
This glistening red fruit is on a large currant shrub in the Backyard Garden.
02-JUL-2013
Robber fly (Asilidae)
There were numerous small robber flies around the garden today, both in the Backyard Garden section, and out in the wilder areas. They were sitting in their hunting pose, waiting for something to fly by so they could dart out and capture it. Many robber flies specialize in a particular insect, such as moths, other flies, etc.