Almost Autumn Finds!

There seems to be a healthy population of Praying Mantis' or Chinese Mantis's this year. I find them lurking at the tops of flower heads waiting for unsuspecting prey to stop for some nectar.

This Common European Greenbottle Fly plays an important role in forensic science. The larvae or maggots help to determine the period of insect colonization as it relates to the time of death, aiding law enforcement investigations! The translucent colour makes it appear red in the photo. 

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/flies/lucilia_sericata.htm

A Green Sweat Bee enjoyed a break on a Common Chickory flower head. The bees get their name because they're attracted to sweat which they drink for its moisture and salt. They are solitary bees that don't make honey and have very little territory to defend. Although they will sometimes land on humans to get their "sweat fix", it is unlikely that they will sting. https://learnbees.com/green-bees/

An American Toad paused on the way to cool down in the water feature in our backyard. The hot dry weather is hard on toads who prefer cool, damp forests during the adult stage of their lives.

My most exciting nature moment this week was finding a Grey Hairstreak in Canatara Park. I've been told that it may be the first record of this species in Lambton County! A few local butterfly enthusiasts had a chance to see it as well!