Treehopper (Enchenopa)
This small thorn-like treehopper was on black locust. There are a number of Enchenopa species all looking similar, but they seem to be associated with different plants. Black locust attracts this species, as does nannyberry, though the Enchenopa on that may be a different species.
Honey bee (Apis mellifera)
On a cup-plant (Silphium perfoliatum) in the Butterfly Meadow.
31-AUG-2016
Little white lichen moth (Clemensia albata), #8098
I think this is the little white lichen moth. It was on the trunk of a black maple.
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
This is the native wildflower that causes allergies at this time of year. Because it is so inconspicuous, the more showy and noticeable goldenrods which often grow nearby, get blamed. Year after year, despite attempts at education, alerts get posted about ragweed allergies with photos of goldenrod. I have had visitors to FWG tell me we should get rid of goldenrod because it causes such severe allergies (they don't call it goldenrod, some call it ragweed). THIS plant is ragweed!
Great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus)
Another shot of this impressive looking wasp in the Sphecidae family. As a visitor to our blog notes (see comments), wasps are fantastic pollinators and this needs to be better known by the general public!
Great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus)
This large Sphecid wasp is enjoying the nectar of mountain mint in the Backyard Garden of the FWG.
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Taking a rest after feeding on butterfly bush and obedient plant. It was also observed on the cup plants. Later, several more hummingbirds were found feeding on jewelweed in the ravine.
Honey bee (Apis mellifera)
The mountain mint in both the Butterfly Meadow and the Backyard Garden, are attracting numerous insects, particularly bees of all sorts. Here, a honey bee is busy.
31-AUG-2016
American idia moth (Idia americalis), #8322
This moth was resting on tree bark in the old woods. The larvae of this species feed on lichens.
31-AUG-2016
Pennsylvania leatherwings (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus)
Like many other insects, these soldier beetles are enjoying the bounty of goldenrods.
31-AUG-2016
Treehhoppers (Publilia sp)
On a goldenrod leaf. There were many of these tiny treehoppers being tended by ants. When I held up this leaf to get a photo, I was given quite a nasty nip by one of the ants. But then that is their 'job'. They ward off predators and in return they get to savour the honeydew that these bugs secrete. Here, there are two nymphs, top, and an adult, bottom.