08-JUN-2015
In the rain
Heavy rain most of the morning didn't dampen this little visitor to the roses in front of the centre.
Plant bug
Although I cannot see the back as clearly as I'd like, this could be a Stenotus sp. Barry took this excellent shot.
Cuckoo bee (Nomada sp.)
A very fine shot of a nomada bee. Although common, these little wasp-like bees rarely sit still long enough for a photo. They are parasitic on Andrena and Colletes bees, as well as some other genera.
Stiletto fly (Pandivirilia sp.)
These pure white flies with the enormous green eyes are to my mind, amongst the most beautiful in our area. It is always a pleasure to see them. Barry photographed this one and the next one.
Stiletto fly (Pandivirilia sp.)
Another view of the beautiful white fly photographed by Barry.
Treehoppers (Publilia sp.)
These tiny treehoppers are very common at this time of year. Right now they are laying eggs, as Barry's two fine photos show. The Publilia treehoppers are always attended assiduously by ants for they have a mutualistic relationship going... the ants protect the bugs from predators (as best they can) and in return sip the 'honeydew' secreted by the treehoppers.
Best viewed in Original size
Bug
Barry photographed this black bug whose ID I am not sure of at the moment. It looks like a plant bug (Miridae) of some sort.
Slime mould (Lycogala)
Barry photographed these very pretty slime moulds on some well rotted wood, which is just what they like. These ones are fresh,as indicated by the colour. Once they age, they turn a lovely silvery shade.
House wren
Always a joy to see these birds at the garden. They have nested there for years, usually raising two broods. A fine photograph by Barry.
Assassin bug eggs (Zelus sp.)
No matter how often I see these lovely little eggcases of the Zelus assassin bug, I want to photograph them again and again. I think they are absolutely exquisite. Here, Barry has caught them perfectly and I've combined them together so you can see them from the side and top. They remind me of a bowl of jello with a creamy centre! and by the way, these cases are minuscule.
05-JUN-2015
PriceWaterhouseCoopers volunteers
Every year in June, a team of PWC volunteers comes to help out at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. We really appreciate their strong backs and in this case their quick minds as we grapple with a new tent to be used during the plant sale the next day - if we can figure out how it goes together.
05-JUN-2015
Success
The frame is in place and the roof is almost ready.
