Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

"In the intricate dance of nature, insects are the true choreographers of biodiversity."

E.O. Wilson 

24 August, 2025

     This little gem in the heart of the city is well used by cyclists, dog walkers, pedestrians and all manner of people, yet there are still quiet corners where the nature lover can find solace and the pursuit of happiness. 

     On a hot August day Miriam and I spent an enjoyable couple of hours in the park; many discoveries marked our time there. 

     A Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) probed deeply for nectar.

     Tachinid Flies (genus Ptilodexia) were out and about in decent numbers.

     Cellophane Bees (genus Colletes) were present, too.

     This Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) showed the results of extensive foraging.

     Spiders are an eternal source of fascination; Typical Funnel Weavers (subfamily Ageleninae) never fail to intrigue.

     Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is one of far too many invasive insects to have found its way to North America, usually by means of human neglect, indifference or deliberate agency. 

     Goldenrods (genus Solidago) are victimized by various galls. What you see below is the gall of the Goldenrod Bunch Gall Midge (Rhopalomyia solidaginis).

     The rosette-type formation results when an insect lays an egg in a leaf bud. Upon hatching, the larva secretes a chemical that stops the stem from growing, while it continues to produce leaves in a dense flower-like cluster, providing shelter and food for the developing larva. 

     I think this spider is in the genus Mangora.

     You will always want to show a healthy respect for Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria).

     I can tell you from personal experience that its sting is quite painful.

Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumaris)

     The tiny wasps seen below (0.5 - 6mm) are found in the family Pirenidae. I don't know much about them at all, but I am sure it was the first time I had encountered them and was quite thrilled.

     A Green Lebia Ground Beetle (Lebia viridis) seemed to be a bit of an explorer.

     I am not sure how Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) got its name, but the plant has no connection to that troubled city.

     It is a member of the Aster family, and an exclamation of vibrant colour. Its tubers are edible and nutritious.

     A Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta) was enjoying the fine weather, but photographing it was not easy.

     Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is ubiquitous.

     This attractive little flower is a type of Willowherb (genus Epilobium).

     Furrowed Ants (genus Myrmica) are widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

     A female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) was enjoying a few moments of solitude.

     A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) perched in a tree on the opposite side of the lake posed no threat to her. 

     Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is a prolific autumn bloomer, and is very beautiful.

     Ancient people used the powdered leaves of sneezeweed to induce sneezing, thought to rid the body of evil spirits. 

     The following flower resembles sneezeweed in every respect except for colour.

     I wonder whether the type of soil influences this colour variant, or whether other factors are at play. It is in any event extremely lovely.

     Narrow-winged Damselflies (family Coenagrionidae) are not always easy to pin down as to species.

     A platoon of Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritus) enjoyed their time on the lake, with an ample larder of fish to satisfy their appetite.

     Tetanocera is a genus of Marsh Fly, quite widespread, containing at least fifty species.

     Here are sweat bees in the genus Labioglossum.

     Is a red-banded Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea) not a gorgeous little insect?

     When you look at a Silky-striped Sweat Bee (Agapostemon sericeus) it is not hard to understand why insects were favoured as models for jewelry.

     Slender Smoothtail (Epistrophella emarginata) is a common species of hoverfly.

     Its larvae prey on aphids, making it the gardener's friend.

     Here is an interesting juxtaposition of a Narrow-winged Damselfly and a Long-legged Fly (family Dolichopodidae).

     Miriam was able to capture this individual from a good angle, with enough detail to identify it as an Eastern Forktail (Ischnura verticalis).

     Here is a crambid moth in the genus Agriphila.

     Eutreta noveboracensis is a common fruit fly of northeastern North America, specializing in goldenrod (genus Solidago).

     Small White (Pieris rapae) is among our most frequently observed butterflies.

     Meadowhawks (genus Sympetrum) are emblematic of southern Ontario dragonflies in the fall.

     A cohort of Mallards passing time immediately evokes tranquility.

     We were delighted to spot a Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax).

     Not far away was its larger cousin, Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).

     A member of the Dogwood family, (subgenus Kraniopsis).

     Here you see the work of the devastatingly destructive Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis).

     Freed from the restraints of its native range in Northeast Asia, it has wreaked havoc on our native trees.

     Common Ectemnius (Ectemnius continuus) typically preys on flies to provision its young, carrying them between its legs.

     Our joy at seeing the Black-crowned was magnified appreciably when we saw two other adults and a juvenile.

     A memorable day!

     Spotted Sandpipers (Actitis macularius), sans spots now that breeding is over for the year, will soon be departing Ontario for warmer regions to the south.

     Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) were catching the last warm rays of summer before burying deep into the mud to spend the winter in suspended animation.

     Here is a species of Lesser Meadow Katydids (genus Conocephalus).

     This is probably a member of the Casebearers (genus Coleophora).

     Holarctic Azures (genus Celastrina) were still fairly easy to see - but difficult to photograph.

     Everyone is familiar with European Earwig (Forficula auricularia), but I'd be willing to wager that not many are fans!

     It too has its role in the ecosystem, however.

     It had been a great day!