Ichneumonid Wasp (Ichneumonidae)
A very attractive wasp. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to ID wasps, in particular Ichneumonids from photographs. As Tom Murray says about these "Very few of this diverse group can be identified from photographs." Quite often one needs a specimen and the knowledge to examine the specimen under a microscope. We are content to leave this as simply an Ichneumonid wasp.
Hover fly, possibly Eupeodes
The last remaining goldenrods and asters are a magnet for any insect still flying in late October. Here, Barry has photographed a small hover fly which may be in the genus Eupeodes.
18-OCT-2012
Orange lichen, probably Xanthomendoza fallax
Another pretty lichen photographed by Barry. Lichens are often overlooked by people, perhaps because they appear insignificant until you look closely, as Barry did here, through his macro lens. Thanks to Colin Freebury we now know that this lichen is most likely Xanthomendoza fallax. It is terrific that Colin can help us out, because we know how difficult it is to ID most taxa (whether insects, lichens, fungi, etc.) from photos.
18-OCT-2012
Lichens
Barry photographed these very pretty lichens, and Colin Freebury very kindly identified them for us.
Colin says the yellow lichen "is probably Candelaria concolor", and he says that if one looks at this with a hand lens it will reveal "tiny, delicate lobes with marginal, yellow soredia (little balls comprised of fungal hyphae wrapped around algal cells)." The orange lichen in the middle is "is probably Xanthomendoza fallax." Again, he notes that using a hand lens we "should see that the lobe cortices are separated and within the gap appear orange soredia (called labriform soredia)."
The whitish grey lichen on the left, Colin says, "could be Physcia aipolia or Physcia stellaris."
18-OCT-2012
Oak gall
Barry photographed a number of galls, most on red oaks, but one on top of a goldenrod plant (see next photo). Oaks seem particularly attractive to gall-making insects. In fact, most galls on oaks are made by tiny little wasps in the Cynipidae family, although a few are made Cecidomyid flies. I once brought home a gall from a bur oak and in time, a tiny wasp emerged, so small it was barely visible to the naked eye. Oak galls can be found on twigs and leaves, and can assume a variety of shapes. Many are called "oak apples".
18-OCT-2012
Oak gall opened
This is one of the papery oak galls that are so common on oaks. Here, Barry has opened the gall and found a tiny larval case inside. Possibly the larva had already transformed into a wasp by the time this gall was found.
18-OCT-2012
Oak gall
Barry also photographed this tiny gall which, like the oak leaf it is attached to,has turned red. Most oak galls are made by the very tiny Cynipidae wasps.
18-OCT-2012
Leafy gall on goldenrod
This is a most un-gall-like growth. It occurs on the tops of goldenrods and looks like a whorled cluster of green leaves. Generally, these types of galls are made by the minute Cecidomyid fly. You should find many of these growths wherever Canada and tall goldenrods occur, as they seem to be especially prone to this. It doesn't harm the plant.
American redstart nest (probably)
As best as I can tell, this looks like an American Redstart nest, although I didn't see this particular nest which was found and photographed by Barry.
18-OCT-2012
Greenbottle fly (Lucilia sp.)
Another common species right through fall. This may be L. sericata or L. illustris.
18-OCT-2012
Hover fly (Toxomerus geminatus)
These very tiny hover flies are common in spring and then become very noticeable again in autumn, though they are found in between these two seasons too. Many hover flies become much more noticeable now, and mid-autumn is a great time to discover a variety of syrphids. This is a fine detailed photo by Barry.
21-OCT-2012
Clematis
This lone clematis flower appeared amidst the rosehips behind the interpretive centre.