03-AUG-2016
Briseis underwing moth (Catocala briseis)
Looking for insects, especially moths, on the bark of trees in the old woods area, I came across this Catocala. It is not one I've seen before and ID was tough, so I asked Diane (our moth expert) and she promptly identified it for me.
03-AUG-2016
Great black digger wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus)
Found in the Butterfly Meadow on Cimicifuga.
03-AUG-2016
Ambush bug (Phymata)
I always enjoy seeing these prehistoric looking creatures. They patiently wait for prey to drop by and when something does land, they grab with lightning speed.
03-AUG-2016
Backswimmer Notonecta sp.)
There were several of these aquatic insects in one small section of the pond. It seems as if this one has found food, likely another aquatic insect. These bugs swim upside down in the water.
03-AUG-2016
Bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
Nectaring on queen anne's lace (Dauca carota). These are the wasps that make the large hanging paper nests. And if you really think about it, what an amazing feat for these insects to undertake. They actually make paper and out of that make a strong, sturdy, complex nest.
03-AUG-2016
Sweat bee (Sphecodes)
Yet another visitor enjoying the boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) in the Butterfly Meadow. This little red-bellied sweat bee is unique in its colouration, but is quite a common bee.
03-AUG-2016
Paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus)
Another wasp attracted to the boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) in the Butterfly Meadow. This Polistes species is native, unlike the Polistes dominula. Both are quite harmless, though people don't always think so. They attack only if they feel their nest is threatened, and even then, it takes some doing to get them to sting you! The P. dominula is even more passive and I've frequently been around their nests taking photos while they back off and wait for me to leave.
03-AUG-2016
Potter wasp, either Ancistrocerus or Euodynerus
The boneset plants (Eupatorium perfoliatum) in the Butterfly Meadow were pulling in a lot of insects including a number of these potter wasps. Both Ancistrocerus and Euodynerus look very similar, and I'm going to leave this as either/or for the moment.
03-AUG-2016
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Lots of the native monarda blooming now in the Butterfly Meadow and attracting lots of insects.
03-AUG-2016
Banasa stink bug (Banasa dimiata)
One of the most commonly encountered stink bugs, especially at the FWG. While it is attracted to many plants, I most often see it on red-osier dogwood.
03-AUG-2016
Amphibian pond
The invasive flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) has taken over a huge part of the pond, despite being cleared out annually. I recently heard that it is a protected species in the Netherlands. Like many non-native species here that spread and grow aggressively, yet are scarce in their native habitat.