12-SEPT-2016
Small carpenter bees (Ceratina sp)
A couple of mating small carpenter bees photographed by Barry. One of the several tiny, dark, metallic bees around the area.
12-SEPT-2016
Orb weaver spider (Argiope aurantia), female
It is the time of year when the fields and meadows are draped with the large and intricate webs of these beautiful big black and yellow orb weaving spiders. The females are the ones we usually see, such as here. As with most spiders, the male is small and rather innocuous.
12-SEPT-2016
Ambush bug (Phymata)
These very patient and skilled hunters appear in July and are usually present into the autumn. This excellent photo by Barry shows the face and head and the big yellow eye, well. As their name suggests, they sit motionless until a prey species lands and then with lightning speed attack, grab, paralyze and eat the unfortunate victim.
12-SEPT-2016
Mating Locust borers (Megacyllene robiniae)
Barry found a mating pair of these large and very beautiful longhorned beetles on goldenrod (which is where they are typically found in late summer and early autumn). These beetles are closely associated with black locust trees and you won't find them in areas where the trees are absent from the general vicinity. There are, as visitors know, many black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia) at FWG.
12-SEPT-2016
Cuckoo wasp (Chrysis sp.)
Barry photographed this gorgeous little wasp checking out one of the bee boxes. I've noticed quite a few of these colourful wasps at the garden this year but never succeeded in getting such a clean shot as this. They are parasitic on leafcutter bees (Megachilidae) as well as on bees and wasps in several other families.
12-SEPT-2016
Cuckoo wasp (Chrysis sp.)
If you have seen the bee boxes at FWG, you will know that the holes are quite small, therefore you can see just how small this little green wasp is, as it explores the hole looking for leafcutter or other nests to parasitize.
09-SEPT-2016
Polypore, possibly Dye-maker's polypore
Barry photographed and tentatively identified this as Phaeolus schweinitzii.
09-SEPT-2016
Mushroom, possibly (Suillus americanus)
Barry photographed this yellow mushroom and tentatively identified it as Suillus americanus, a Bolete. Unfortunately, he was unable to get a photo of the underside. It seems to have other fungi(?) growing around the rim of the cap. Interesting.
09-SEPT-2016
Bagworm moth case (Psyche)
Larval case of the tiny bagworm moth.
Plant bug (Lopidea sp.)
On black locust. These trees attract a number of insects including the native silver-spotted skipper butterfly whose larvae eat the leaves. This Lopidea plant bug is very, very common on the trees.
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Another shot of the hummingbird that sat for some time in the BYG after feeding on various flowers around the site.
