When I saw this plant, I assumed it had to be a non-native species, as many plants in this genus are. But to my surprise, I found out that this one is native. It is one of many plants that grew up over the summer in the small section of the old field that was rototilled this spring.

The goldenrods still in flower were a magnet for insects of all kinds. Here there are two locust borers (long-horned beetles associated with locust trees) and a very small spotted cucumber beetle is clambering across the back of the much larger borer, to reach the enticing flowers on the other side. You can just see the second locust borer at the top left corner.

The only monarch I saw at FWG on this visit, was nectaring on coneflowers in the Butterfly Meadow.

The beautiful pink primrose moth is closely associated with the evening primrose plant. The larvae bore into the seed heads and eat the seeds, and the hole here shows where one entered.

This very familiar little caterpillar is common in autumn, and is known by most kids and adults alike! The moth turns into the Isabella Tiger Moth.

We've had a good year for hummingbirds at the FWG. As noted in an earlier posting, we have noticed them feeding on a wide variety of plants in our Backyard Garden. They rarely sit still, but this little one perched in perfect light, allowing Suzanne to catch a great shot.

Joe-pye weed is very attractive to insects, and monarch butterflies are especially prone to nectaring on it. Here, this gorgeous male monarch (you can tell it is a male by the scent 'patches' on the wings, the two little black spots) was photographed on the plant, by Suzanne.

This pretty little grasshopper, was caught on camera by Suzanne, as it rested on the sedum in the BYG.

A shot of the rain dewed sunflowers that tower over the meadow. In drier weather, and a bit earlier in the season, these flowers attract quite a variety of insects.

The same squirrel heading on back down the tree to gather more flowerheads.

This is the Bill Holland trail from the parking lot to the Interpretation Centre, through a forest of sumacs. The ravine is on the right side of the photo.

A very large and quite dark, green frog, heading away from the BYG pond, across the lawn.

This is another section of the butterfly meadow, at the northwest end of the site. It has been thickly planted by volunteers and is flourishing. The sign is politely asking visitors to not walk in the newly planted bed.

The waterproof feathers of this sleeping duck show the rain beaded on his back.

Barry photographed this pretty beetle at the FWG. Goldenrod and leatherwings seem to go naturally together. Bug Guide calls them goldenrod soldier beetle, which is far more apt I guess, but the Pennsylvania leatherwing name is used in most insect guides, no doubt because of the species name (pensylvanicus). At the height of their occurrence, which is usually mid-late August (although they can continue to be observed well into September), they can be abundant on goldenrods. They are actually soldier beetles (Cantharidae), and a good insect to have around as their larvae feed on various insects we don't always want in our gardens, such as aphids.

Another beautiful image by Barry, of this little kleptoparasite. This sweat bee is distinctive with its red abdomen.

Oak trees are decorated with a variety of galls, such as this one, most being made by tiny wasps in the Cynipidae family.

Barry photographed this bee fly nectaring on rudbeckia. Its colouring allows it to blend in with the flower quite easily.

Another type of pattern made by a leaf-mining insect, more than likely a tiny micro moth of some sort. It appears that there is a very small larva in each of these blotches.

Al took this terrific shot of a large locust borer. This species is closely associated with black locust trees, of which the FWG has many, growing in the Ravine.

Diane identified this moth as being quite probably the Great ash sphinx moth, in the Sphingidae (Sphinx moth) family. She did say it is best to see the side as well as the top to be 100% sure, but feels it is more than likely this species. Thanks to Al for photographing this species, new to the FWG, and to Diane for identification.

Barry photographed this bug on a milkweed seedpod which allows you to see how small this insect really is against the seeds which, as we know, are very small.

One of the dragonflies we can continue to observe right through fall, sometimes even into November if the weather remains reasonably mild.

A head-on view of a praying mantis in this great shot by Barry.

These brightly coloured and very attractive aphids begin appearing in mid-summer, attacking mostly milkweed plants, although sometimes found on other plants too. They attract predators such as the larvae of hover flies, lady beetles, and lacewings. Tiny jumping spiders will also take aphids as prey. In the meantime, the aphids often have a protective coterie of ants who try to fight off intruders. The ants are not being altruistic, but rather defending their "herd" of honeydew producers!