03 June, 2025
The second of our Polyphemus Moths (Antheraea polyphemus) made its debut on the world stage as an adult, and we were greatly satisfied to have played a part in its success.
It is spectacular by any definition.
It would never know that Miriam carefully sewed bags to envelop the leaves where it fed, moving it from one branch to another as the food was exhausted. Unlike some politicians, however, we don't need to be thanked for everything we do!
Robin Wall Kimmerer, in her gorgeous little book, The Serviceberry, writes eloquently about the gift economy, and reciprocity in the natural world. It's enough for us to be part of that.
04 June, 2025
While we are devotees of all of nature we would have preferred not to see the caterpillar of the Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis). In fact, we saw several of them. They are highly efficient (or destructive, depending on your point of view) and destroyed our hedge in just one season of ravenous feasting.
08 June, 2025
I think this is a species of Running Crab Spider (genus Philodromus).
They are so named because of their crab-like stance and their method of chasing prey on a variety of surfaces.
This individual may have been moulting.
18 June, 2025
Flowers were blooming nicely, so why not take a few pictures?
Here is a species of coneflower (genus Echinacea) before the rabbits chewed it to a nub.
Lantana (genus Lantana) has done well too.
Dotted Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) has found its way into the yard, unannounced and uninvited.
It is quite beautiful. but, like all loosestrifes is prone to rapid spread, so we'll have to keep an eye on it.
23 June, 2025
I suppose it was inevitable that once we discovered the larva of the Box Tree Moth we would find the adult form, too.
30 June, 2025
Harvestmen are distinct from conventional spiders; they lack venom and reproduce in a different fashion, males being possessed of an intromittent sex organ.
Golden Harvestman (Leiobunum flavum) may often be found wandering during the day or night. It does not build a web.
04 July, 2025
I am really not sure about this tiny moth. After forty-five minutes of research my best guess is that it is in the genus Argyresthia.
Don't bet the farm on that, though!
A White Speck Moth (Mythimna unipuncta) was an agreeable find.
Greenbottle Flies (genus Lucilia) are ubiquitous.
Not a great picture, but here is a Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei).
Over the years we have discovered this species more frequently in the house than outside.
06 July, 2025
Stored Grain Moth (Aglossa caprealis) is a very descriptive name, although it would find little grain in the suburbs of a southern Ontario city.
It has been recorded feeding on dead animals, however, and will feed on suet in bird feeders, scraps of bacon rind and the like.
12 July, 2025
Elegant Grass-Veneer (Microcrambus elegans) is quite a common moth.
We were thrilled to see a female Monarch (Danaus plexippus) exploring the Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and it makes a very attractive picture.
It's probably not a bad idea to close this post with a Monarch.
It doesn't get any better, does it?
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Beautiful ❤️ nature photos, David.
ReplyDelete...Andy at "Eye Candy" called Monarchs, "Uncle Billes!"
ReplyDeleteI have some of that dotted loosestrife, and the Japanese beetles just love them. I saved the grape vine from them this year by picking them off, but the loosestrife right now is just bare stalks. THose polyphemus moths are quite beautiful. Congrats on getting any to be released. Isn't it great how much variety can be in one yard? And congrats to your daughter for having honey bees. I hope she gets lots of honey and has a great time learning all there is to learn about keeping a hive. It probably won't surprise you for me to say it's so interesting. Have a super new week.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think there’s a whole lot that Japanese Beetles don’t like! It’s a local fellow who maintains the hives at my daughter’s place, but she plans to ask him if she can help with them and will soon be drawn into the fascination of it all, I am sure.
DeleteSo much to see in one backyard! Spectacular photos as always! Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteOur backyard is not exceptional, Shari, but I suspect our eyes are a little more attuned to what is there.
DeleteNot a fan of insects except lady bugs...have never seen a running crab spider before.
ReplyDeleteYou don’t even like butterflies?
DeleteBeautiful series of photos, David.
ReplyDeleteThe monarch butterfly is my favorite this time.
Greetings Irma
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection of insects and beetles! So often overlooked (or seen as a nuisance), but which play such in important part in ecology! YAM xx
I get tears in my eyes when I see the Monarch butterfly, David. It is simply a work of art. With my cold climate I will probably never see it here, but who knows?
ReplyDeleteLantana is a very beautiful flower, and I think its name might be Lantana camara.
Hugs and kisses, Marit
We have two Monarch caterpillars in the house now, Marit. We found three eggs but one of them has not hatched.
DeleteYou are very lucky David. I wish I had them here too.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading this. The Polyphemus Moth is stunning, and it’s lovely to hear how much care went into helping it along. I also like the mix in your post — the beautiful flowers and butterflies, but also the less welcome visitors like the Box Tree Moth. Ending with the Monarch was perfect.
ReplyDeletePS: I reacted here to your comment about the wolf on my blog. By the way, about wolves, today on my way home from the forest I saw a woman cycling ahead of me wearing a life-size wolf print on her shirt. I liked it so much that I took a photo of her back. Who knows, maybe I’ll buy such a beautiful blouse for myself too!
Be sure to post a picture if you do.
DeleteWonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI learn so much from your posts. That is very cool of Miriam. Who would of thought to do that but her. I have seen a moth like this before and you are right they are so beautiful. Your photos are simply stunning. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMiriam appreciates your kind words.
DeleteHello David :)
ReplyDeleteYour efforts at successfully raising moths deserves praise. I know you don't seek it but you are doing a great job and I applaud you both. The cages look similar to my laundry
bags, the ones I use to separate my undies from the rest of the washing! These moths are spectacular, and the beautiful Monarch is splendiferous. amongst the flowers. I haven't seen one since my last Algarve trip.but remember the joy of photographing these regal beauties.Thank you for sharing your backyard finds .David
Hugs and kisses
Sonjia.
Backyard beauties indeed! Stunning photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photography and that moth! Wow, I may have seen one as a kid but not yet as an adult.
ReplyDeleteAmazing nature photos! The Polyphemus Moth is extraordinary. Gorgeous flowers too! So glad you finished off with the Monarch. I haven't been out as much and on the occasions that I have, not many butterflies were around. The last time was on a cloudy day so perhaps that is one of the reasons there weren't any about.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos David and not much walking involved! Though I am guessing your garden is huge compared to ours here. Great selection of spiders. And I spy nail polish with the tiny moth!! It's a nice baby blue colour. Never seen a moth this tiny though. :-D
ReplyDelete