19-JUN-2013
Common St. john's-wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Not quite in flower yet, this non-native plant has become more scarce in recent times thanks to the release of a Chrysomelid beetle, the Klamath Weed Beetle, to control this species. This is not to say that St. John's-wort is not still common, it is, but not as much as before. At FWG, the last time I saw a large stand it was being chewed to bits by the beetle, and I've only seen isolated plants since then.
Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa), female
I find these dragonflies very beautiful. They are very common across our region and the females are being seen in many locations. Barry found and photographed this one at the garden.
24-JUN-2013
Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)
Clinging to the stem of an elderberry shrub overlooking the amphibian pond. THere were several of these odonates around on that particular day.
26-JUN-2013
Toadflax Brocade caterpillar (Calophasia lunula), #10177
Diane found and photographed this caterpillar, one of several she saw, in the garden. It is a small, but vividly patterned little thing, quite beautiful. As the name suggests, this species is usually found on toadflaxes, such as the European species butter-and-eggs.
24-JUN-2013
Oblong running crab spider (Tibellus oblongus) with prey
These spiders, although a common species, seem to be much more noticeable this summer. On this milkweed plant there were several, and when this hapless fly landed, it was pounced upon by one of the spiders so quickly, that even though I was looking, it happened so fast I barely saw the catch. Like other crab spiders, they lie in ambush...
26-JUN-2013
Snail (Helicidae family)
This may be another Cepaea snail, but it looks a bit different to the previous ones. Photographed by Diane at the same time as she found the grove snail.
26-JUN-2013
Grove snail (Cepaea nemoralis)
A large, very pretty snail photographed by Diane. This is a non-native species, but even so, not seen that often.
24-JUN-2013
Grove snail (Cepaea nemoralis)
A few days before Diane photographed her snail, I found this one in a different area, all tightly encased in it's shell. I love the spiral pattern.
26-JUN-2013
Soft-Lined Wave (Scopula inductata), 7169 or Large lace border?
A common moth, but not always easy to photograph as it often sits in dark situations where low light makes it difficult to get a good image. Diane found and photographed this beauty.
26-JUN-2013
Grass veneer species
A lovely little grass moth, beautifully photographed by Diane.
27-JUN-2013
Snapping turtle
A front view of the turtle. This is the first turtle observation we've had at the FWG this year, as far as I know anyway.
27-JUN-2013
Snapping turtle
Barry was alerted to this snapping turtle by a walker at the FWG, and immediately went over to take a few photos. This is undoubtedly a female who has been seeking somewhere to lay eggs. Let us hope she succeeded. These turtles are now considered a species of special concern in Ontario, as their numbers are declining. They take a long, long time to reach maturity, and some of the big snappers you see could be very ancient indeed. In fact, it is amazing that they have survived all the hazards we throw in their path, in particular cars, but also hunting...