02-OCT-2012
Hover fly (Sericomyia longicornis)
This is one of the many wasp mimics one finds amongst the hover flies (Syrphidae). Barry photographed this one earlier in October when the weather was still quite mild.
01-OCT-2012
Hover fly (Syrphus sp.)
This was one of several hover flies of several species, all nectaring on goldenrod and asters.
01-OCT-2012
Pink Cardinal Flower
A pale pink version of the usually scarlet cardinal flower, seen and photographed by Diane in the butterfly meadow.
01-OCT-2012
Ichneumonid Wasp (Ichneumonidae)
Diane found three species of ichneumonid wasps on milkweed in the butterfly meadow, in the model monarch waystation section. It is possible that this species is Melanichneumon pluto. However, another species, Vulgichneumon brevicinctor, looks almost identical, so we are not sure which one this is at the moment.
01-OCT-2012
Ichneumonid Wasp (Ichneumonidae)
This is similar to the red ichneumonid wasp in the next photo, but this has a black head.
01-OCT-2012
Ichneumonid Wasp (Ichneumonidae) on milkweed
Another very pretty red wasp photographed by Diane in the Butterfly Meadow.
01-OCT-2012
New England asters
The wonderful shades of blue and lilac abound around the garden with these asters. Insects are also attracted to the blossoms, bumble bees and honey bees in particular.
01-OCT-2012
Bridge over pond
A view down the hill to the bridge across the pond, surrounded by walnut trees in various stages of autumn colour, as well as sumac and other plants.
01-OCT-2012
Hawthorn berries
A jolt of bright red catches the eye in the form of fruit, such as these hawthorn berries.
01-OCT-2012
Bumble bee on sunflower
It was cool and cloudy, with showers in the morning, but later on, the sun came out in fits and starts, and there were still many insects to be found, mostly bumble bees and wasps.
01-OCT-2012
Plicaturopsis crispa
A very common mushroom around the garden, on rotting logs, here, a birch log. After rain, which we've had over the last few days, these mushrooms will revive.
01-OCT-2012
Plicaturopsis crispa
A very common mushroom around the garden, on rotting logs, here, a birch log. After rain, which we've had over the last few days, these mushrooms will revive. The underside is delicately lacy.