13-Jun-2019
Sawfly larva (Argidae)
This lone sawfly was found on a black locust tree. Here it is giving the typical defensive pose adopted by so many sawfly larvae.
13-Jun-2019
Sawfly larva (Argidae)
Feeding on the leaf of a black locust. It is unusual to find these sawflies alone, so I'm wondering if there are more that I just didn't notice.
13-Jun-2019
Lupines (Lupinus)
The lupines are finally in bloom in the butterfly meadow. They attract a lot of attention from photographers as well as from bees. The varied colours, mostly shades of blue and lilac with the odd pink one thrown in, are very eye-catching.
13-Jun-2019
Bumble bee (Bombus) on lupine
It was a very cool overcast day so there was not a lot of activity from the insects, but here a bumble bee is nectaring on a lupine.
13-Jun-2019
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
These pretty flowers are a non-native member of the mustard family. They can be found in several different shades from white to pink to purple, as the next shot shows.
13-Jun-2019
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Near the Butterfly Meadow, this display of dame's rocket flowers is eye-catching. Considered invasive, their invasiveness pales next to plants like garlic mustard, buckthorn (both non-native species) and especially, dog-strangling vine.
13-Jun-2019
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
A close up view of the creamy white flowers of the nannyberry shrub.
13-Jun-2019
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
A native viburnum, this one has been planted at the garden. In natural areas further afield, these shrubs are pretty commonly found.
13-Jun-2019
Nomad bee (LNomada)
This bee was dead, clinging by its mouth to the leaf of a goldenrod. It appears that it may have been infected by a fungus. The habit of clinging to a plant by mouth is seen in many flies afflicted with the Entomophthora fungus.
13-Jun-2019
Nomad bee (LNomada)
A side view of the bee, showing how it is holding onto the leaf with its mouth.
13-Jun-2019
Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Another native shrub that spreads abundantly and whose flowers attract numerous insects including bees.
13-Jun-2019
Fragile forktail (Ischnura posita)
A small damselfly, perched here on the invasive dog-strangling vine.