Silvery blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
A lovely shot of another species in the Lycaenidae family. These butterflies are common in spring.
19-JUN-2012
California calligrapher (Calligrapha californica)
There was a cluster of these pretty Chrysomelid beetles near the pond. A new addition to our insect list.
19-JUN-2012
Small magpie moth (Eurrhypara hortulata), #4952
A gorgeous little moth, related to more commonly seen Anania funebris.
19-JUN-2012
Four-lined plant bug nymph (Poecilocapsus lineatus)
This is the brightly coloured nymph of a very common plant bug around the region. The adult bears the same colours but, as the name suggests, has stripes (or lines).
19-JUN-2012
Soldier beetles (Rhagonycha sp.)
Soldier beetles are fairly common insects, but probably the best known and most commonly seen is the Pennsylvania leatherwing which appears later in July and feeds largely, but not exclusively, on goldenrods.
18-JUN-2012
Bumblebee on comfrey
This happy bumblebee is seeking pollen from the comfrey flowers. You can see the pollen packets on its legs.
15-JUN-2012
Giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Barry made an exciting discovery at the FWG, a giant swallowtail! Not only a first for the garden, but one of the few sightings in Ottawa. This spring and summer has seen a remarkable flight of many butterfly species, including those that wouldn't usually occur this far. Fortunately Barry got a photo of this rarity which is looking rather tattered and worn.
19-JUN-2012
Plant bug (Taedia)
There are so many species of plant bugs, and I think this one photographed by Barry may be in the Genus Taedia.
19-JUN-2012
Dogwood calligrapher (Calligrapher philadelphica)
I've been checking dogwoods for several weeks, hoping to find these guys, but I guess I was a bit too hasty for they have only just started to appear, at least that I have noticed. I think these are remarkably handsome beetles with intricate patterns. We have about 7 or 8 fairly common species in this region, and quite likely more than that. They belong to the Chrysomelid family, the leaf-eating beetles, and as you can see, this one was munching on the red osier leaf.
19-JUN-2012
Orange-spotted lady beetle (Brachicantha)
This tiny little creature is actually quite common, but again, because of size, is not often seen. Or if seen, it is as it drops off the plant, not to be seen again!
19-JUN-2012
Meadow plant bug (Leptopterna dolabratus) on timothy grass
Abundant at this time of year when the timothy appears, these bugs can sometimes be seen 6 or more to a stem. Previously in the genus Miris, these insects are native to Europe.
19-JUN-2012
American lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar
Planting some small pearly everlasting (Anaphalis) plants this morning, we came across this large caterpillar and about 5 very small ones. We are hoping that they survive to become the beautiful American lady butterfly.