June 2015
Assassin bug (Zelus sp.) male
Probably Zelus luridus. The slender male is in contrast to the greener, bigger females, which are more noticeable and more commonly encountered.
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) on comfrey
This image and the next, both by Barry, show a honey bee actively feeding on the comfrey plants, a non-native species which can spread widely, but does at least feed a number of insects.
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) on comfrey
Another photo of the honey bee investigating the comfrey.
Mud-dauber wasp (Chalybion californicum)
Also called Blue Mud wasp, and it definitely is a lovely blue, especially as photographed here by Barry. These wasps, as the name suggests, build mud nests, one of many species of wasps to do so. They feed almost exclusively on spiders.
Hover fly (Somula decora)
An attractive little hover fly which like so many in the Syrphidae family, resembles a bee.
Jumping spider
Jumping spiders are very common around the FWG, and many species occur. However, they can be a challenge to ID as many look different as immatures. Furthermore, many species look similar. However, this one photographed by Barry, could be a Phidippus, possibly P. clarus.
Jumping spider
Barry took this nice closeup of a jumping spider (family: Salticidae). Although the abdomen is a bit hard to see well, it could be a Pelegrina sp., possibly P. proterva.
08-JUN-2015
Backyard Garden
The backyard Garden is a showcase for using mostly native plants in a traditional garden setting. Those non-native plants used are there because they are good for pollinators and other wildlife.
08-JUN-2015
Backyard Garden
This is the Woodland Walk/Woodland Edge section of the Backyard Garden at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. It mainly features native species of local woodlands.
08-JUN-2015
Backyard Garden
One section of the Backyard Garden behind the Interpretive Centre. While most of the species planted in the garden are native, this bed pays tribute to the horticultural plants that have become garden favourites over time AND which also attract insects and birds.
08-JUN-2015
Red-winged blackbird, male
This blackbird had plenty to say about the rain I think!