17-SEP-2013
Stink bug (Brochymena sp.)
Found on the nannyberry shrubs that support the colony of Enchenopa treehoppers. This is a very common, and very large stinkbug, which is nearly invisible when perched against the trunk of a tree, as they so often are.
17-SEP-2013
Stinkbug (Banasa sp.)
I frequently find this species on dogwood fruit, as here. Bug Guide notes that there are 11 species of Banasa, all looking somewhat similar and that ID based on photos "should be provisional", so I'm playing safe and leaving all Banasa stinkbugs as just that.
17-SEP-2013
Enchenopa treehopper exuviae on nannyberry
There is a flourishing colony of the odd-looking little Enchenopa treehoppers (looking like mini-dinosaurs) on the nannyberry shrubs. Here you can see a tiny shed skin of one of the nymphs. According to Bug Guide, the species of Enchenopa that feeds on nannyberry is an undescribed species. A page on their site shows exactly what I have found on the nannyberries here, including the eggs, nymphs and adults.
17-SEP-2013
Nannyberry fruit (Viburnum lentago)
Autumn is when fruit is usually abundant, ready to feed hungry birds and animals. The nannyberry fruit is just ripening and when fully mature all clusters will be the rich indigo blue you can see here on a few of the fruits.
15-SEP-2013
Sweat bee (Agaposteman splendens
Sweat bees are numerous and common and there are many species. This is Agapostemon, probably splendens. Diane photographed this in the BYG on Sunday.
15-SEP-2013
Privet leafhopper (Fieberiella florii)
A new insect species for the FWG list, found by Diane in the Backyard Garden. This is a non-native species which, according to Bug Guide, has been in NA since about 1918.
15-SEP-2013
Striped Cucumber Beetle (Acalymma vittata)
Diane photographed this small Chrysomelidae in the Backyard Garden. It is a species closely associated with plants in the Cucurbitaceae family, such as the abundant wild cucumber.
07-SEP-2013
Egg sac of Argiope aurantia)
Found on the Bug Day walk at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and photographed by Diane. These egg sacs are always a neat find, and are common right now, as are the big black and yellow orbweaving spiders who make them. Look amongst goldenrods especially, for these large egg sacs.
07-SEP-2013
Bug Day walk at the garden
Diane took this photo of insect enthusiasts heading down the Bill Holland Trail to the pond.
04-SEP-2013
Two-striped grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus)
Diane photographed this beautiful grasshopper during the Bug Day event at the garden. This is a common species, particularly right now when it, and many other species can be found throughout our area.
04-SEP-2013
Tinkling Ground Cricket (Allonemobius tinnulus), female
Found during the Bug Day walk at the FWG, and photographed by Diane.
04-SEP-2013
Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
A beautiful treefrog, one of many to be found at the FWG, photographed by Diane.