29-AUG-2014
Rolled sumac leaves
Barry said he was fascinated by the rolled leaves on the tips of sumac leaflets. No doubt these are made by leafroller moths, though other insects will also roll leaf tips at times. Still others, will uses the vacated rolled tips as shelter.
29-AUG-2014
Spot the moth!
Hard to believe there is a large moth on this tree trunk. But if you look closely you will see it. Kudos to Barry who took this photo for his sighting. We're waiting for it to be identified by Diane.
27-AUG-2014
Garden orbweaver (Argiope aurantia), female
A terrific shot by Diane of one of the most commonly seen orbweavers in our area. These large spiders are especially abundant in open fields where there intricately spun webs can be seen especially well in early morning when the dew is on them.
27-AUG-2014
Eastern cottontail
A very cute rabbit having a snack on the grass in the Backyard Garden, and photographed by Diane.
27-AUG-2014
Unspotted Looper (Allagrapha aerea), #8898
A new species for our moth list, spotted by Diane, who is the go-to person for moths at the Fletcher Garden. This is an intriguingly shaped member of the Noctuidae family.
27-AUG-2014
Blister beetle (Epicauta sp.)
At this time of year these large black blister beetles are a fairly common sight, particularly on goldenrod. Diane photographed this one around the Butterfly Meadow.
27-AUG-2014
Curled Rose Sawfly (Allantus cinctuss)
Diane photographed this lovely sawfly with the granular appearance, curled up on a rose leaf. A new species for our insect list. According to Bug Guide, this species is "native to, and common across Eurasia, probably adventive in NA".
27-AUG-2014
Turtlehead (Chelone)
A striking photo by Diane of some cultivars of the native turtlehead flower. The wild flower is white, but many cultivated species are pink.
25-AUG-2014
Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Diane photographed this treefrog in an unusual pose. I expect he was just about to head down the cattail leaf when she caught him mid-move! Treefrogs are quite common at the garden and can frequently be heard and often encountered.
25-AUG-2014
Long-jawed orbweaver (Tetragnatha sp.)
A fantastic shot by Diane of this spindly spider caught in a ray of sunlight as it hangs head down on a cattail.
25-AUG-2014
Woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella), #8129
Also by the pond, a familiar woolybear caterpillar, the Isabella tiger moth.
25-AUG-2014
Egg mass on cattail
At the moment, we have no idea who made this egg mass, but will continue to try and find out. Diane photographed it in the amphibian pond.