26-AUG-2013
Raspberry crown borer moth (Pennisetia marginata), #2513
At first I thought I was looking at a yellowjacket, but quickly realized the body was too thick and too long. It was, in fact, a raspberry crown borer moth, a new addition for the FWG moth list. I managed to get a shot of this extraordinary moth as it hid between two goldenrod leaves in the old field. It is closely associated with wild raspberries (of which there are many in the old field), and wild blackberries. This moth is in the Sesiidae family, the Clearwing Moths.
28-AUG-2013
Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
A rather unusually coloured woolly bear, with more brown than black. Photographed by Diane.
28-AUG-2013
Volunteer weeding the butterfly meadow
Wednesday, late afternoon into the evening, is the time for volunteers to gather at the butterfly meadow in the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and help Diane with weeding, planting, mulching, and any number of other chores.
28-AUG-2013
Another volunteer helping weed the butterfly meadow
More hands make lighter work and there is always work to be done in the butterfly meadow at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden.
28-AUG-2013
Volunteers helping to weed the butterfly meadow
Diane took this and the other photos of volunteers helping out in the butterfly meadow of the Fletcher Wldlife Garden. She is the habitat manager for the meadow and has created a large, flower-filled site with the help of many hands.
28-AUG-2013
Planting in the butterfly meadow
Here a volunteer is helping to plant more wildflowers attractive to butterflies and other insects.
26-AUG-2013
Wild raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Turning colour, these raspberries in the old field are attractive to moths such as the one in the previous photo.
26-AUG-2013
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
One of only a handful of monarchs seen at the FWG this year. Numbers are down drastically, but let's hope this is only a blip, and that next year will see a rebound.
26-AUG-2013
Bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)
These gentians have prospered in the Backyard Garden for some years. Another name for them is closed gentian, and it is easy to see why. I have seen insects pushing apart the petals to enter these flowers, however.
26-AUG-2013
Treehoppers, adults and nymphs (Publilia concava)
Goldenrods and Publilia treehoppers go together. This is a fresh generation appearing now, and as with all Publilia treehoppers, these were attracting ants who enjoy the 'honeydew' secreted by the bugs, in return for which they will protect the treehoppers. Just try going near a leaf with these guys on and see how quickly the ants will converge to try and drive you off.
26-AUG-2013
Late summer colours
Goldenrods and asters are the colours of late summer, the gorgeous golds and blues that blend so well together. Nature really knows how to coordinate colours!
