23-SEP-2011
Tachinid fly )Gymnosoma sp.)
A superb shot of this small, rotund parasitic fly, whose young are parasitic on stink bugs. Another similar fly seen around the garden is the Gymnoclytia.
23-SEP-2011
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) on aster
A lovely detailed shot, by Diane, of this little honey bee.
23-SEP-2011
Potter Wasp (Eumenes)
The asters are one of the few flowers still in bloom and many, many insects are taking advantage of them. Diane was at the FWG today and said:
"One could stand beside the Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) with its beautiful white flowers and see a great number of wasps, bees and flies and butterflies. While standing there, I saw Bumble bees, Honey bees, Bald-faced Hornets, Gymnosoma sp., Sphecidae sp, Polistes dominulus, but to me the highlight was the Feather-legged fly - Trichopoda plumipes. It was a first time that I saw a Trichopoda and I find them very special with the feather-legs. Two Summer Azure seem happy to sit on the aster. There were many more insects of different sizes on this lovely aster, but it was hard to focus on them all and of course they don't stop for very long."
23-SEP-2011
Bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) on aster
The nests of this species are still being used, and indeed, are very active places. But as autumn progresses, the wasps will be seen less and less, and eventually the nests will fall down, torn apart by humans or other animals!
23-SEP-2011
Ambush bugs (Phymata)
This mating pair of ambush bugs may be Phymata americana, but ID of this species can be difficult.
19-SEP-2011
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) resting on Sorghum
As most know, monarchs have been pretty scarce this year. However, I did find 4 caterpillars in August, and we've seen scattered adults. Today there were three monarchs around the garden, two of them flew over to this field of Sorghum just south of the New Woods. This one was resting for awhile on the plant, perhaps taking a breather from battling the strong breeze.
19-SEP-2011
Moth (Megalographa)
The walls of the Interpretive Centre are a super place to look for moths which are resting there after being attracted to lights during the night. This one was near a window at the front of the building.
19-SEP-2011
Mallard
One of the more than 30 mallards at the pond today.
19-SEP-2011
Black Ducks
Making full use of the turtle raft for a little grooming time!
19-SEP-2011
Honey bee (Apis mellifera)
For those of us who spend the summer looking for insects, this time of year is a bit sad, for the variety of insects now is diminishing. However, there are still lots of bumblebees, paper wasps, some sweat bees, and a few of these guys, honey bees.
19-SEP-2011
Wild grape (Vitis riparia)
There is a bounty of wild grapes at the garden this year, which is good, as the wild raspberry crop is just about non-existent. Birds and other wildlife will appreciate this fruit, particularly as the fall wears on.
19-SEP-2011
Roosting box
All of the roosting boxes at the FWG have been taken over by squirrels, most red squirrels, but this one in the Ash Woods, by a gray squirrel. However, not to worry. There are multiple bird boxes around that I know birds use on cold fall and winter nights.
