30-JUN-2012
Micro moth
Micro moths are abundant and varied with scores of species. Most of us either don't see them or overlook them because they are so difficult to ID. Diane found this tiny one at the FWG and got a remarkable photo of this minuscule creature.
30-JUN-2012
Plant bug
This is more than likely a plant bug in the genus Neurocolpus. A very lovely photo by Diane.
Plant bugs (Miridae)are abundant and there are many, many species. At the FWG we see quite a variety from large four-lined plant bugs to very small bugs such as this one.
30-JUN-2012
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
A detailed close shot of the unusual and pretty flowers of this non-native species, that has been around for years in Canada, and doesn't appear to be a problem at least around here.
30-JUN-2012
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
A non-native plant that springs up here and there around the garden, never that common and as far as we can tell, not invasive. It is certainly pretty, as this fine photo by Diane shows.
30-JUN-2012
Northern Broken-dash (Wallengrenia egeremet)
A stunning shot by Diane of another of the small obscurely coloured skippers that can be found in the area.
26-JUN-2012
Bee in bee box
Thanks to Sophie, who said this is likely an Osmia species (one of the Megachilids). It is in one of the bee boxes placed around the FWG by AAFC to study bees. This particular box was very well used with various species coming and going, and many holes packed and closed off.
22-JUN-2012
Common lytrosis (Lytrosis unitaria) #6720
Isn't it amazing how this large moth can blend into the bark of the pine tree? Diane photographed this common moth while looking for moths one evening at the FWG
22-JUN-2012
Painted Lichen Moth (Hypoprepia fucosa)
A very beetle-like moth with vivid colours. Photographed by Diane during an evening of mothing at the garden.
26-JUN-2012
Dogwood spittlebug (Clastoptera proteus)
During early summer, dogwoods sport multiple small balls of foam. Inside are tiny little spittlebug nymphs. Around about this time of year, they transform into adults and at the moment there are dozens of these minuscule (2-4mm) spittlebugs on the dogwoods. They are prettily marked, and their colour and pattern seem to vary at the moment as they emerge and then mature.
26-JUN-2012
Robber fly with plant bug
Another species of robber fly, perhaps a Dioctria. It has caught a little plant bug and was busy consuming it when I shot this photo.
25-JUN-2012
Robber fly (Asilid sp)
This robber fly was hanging on my car window and seemed in no hurry to leave. Because of the window, he looks like he is suspended in air. I've noticed that robber flies seem particularly abundant this year, not just at FWG but everywhere I go, and even in my own garden. There are many, many species of robber flies, ranging from the tiny Holocephalus, to the very large Proctacanthus.
26-JUN-2012
Question mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
A while ago, I posted a photo of this species with its wings closed, showing the marking on the underwing that gives it its common name. This shows the butterfly with its wings open.