Moore Wildlife Management Area:

The Moore Wildlife Management Area includes an experimental tall grass prairie site, floodplain forest, upland forest and open/shrub area. Much of the area is inaccessible due to to high water levels on the North branch of the Sydenham River. 

https://www.scrca.on.ca/portfolio/moore-habitat-management-area/

Fragile Papershell (outer shell shown) is an example of a mussel living in this stretch of the river. All mussels collected from the river were not alive and were returned to the water after being identified.

Fragile Papershell, can be a pinkish colour on the inner shell and can grow up to 6 inches in length.

 

The long, finger like toes of a Raccoon were imprinted in the mud by the edge of the water. Mussels are an important food source for many animals, including raccoons which can often be found at the edges of waterways. Raccoons are able to open mussel shells by using their long toes and then eat the tasty flesh inside. Mussels are a nutritious food source for raccoons and provide them with a good source of protein.

https://anchorandhopesf.com/raccoons-and-mussels-a-nutritious-and-delicious-partnership/#google_vignette

Deertoe Mussels, (and other mussels) are indicators of healthy water systems. They are vulnerable to mortality through absorption of chemical pollutants and heavy metals. To effectively manage for healthy populations, herbicide/pesticide spraying, agricultural and urban runoff, and the dumping of industrial waste must be controlled.

https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/12393/Truncilla-truncata

Deertoe Mussel, inner shell

The Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar is found throughout North America. Host plants include birch, ash, blueberry, alder, chestnut, elm, grape and oak. Predators include birds and bats.

https://www.mothidentification.com/banded-tussock-moth.html

Several Sawfly larva were found on a small bush. They get their name because the adult female cuts into plant tissue using a saw-like ovipositor to lay her eggs. They resemble caterpillars but are actually related to wasps and bees. Caterpillars have 2 to 5 pairs of prolegs on the abdomen. Sawfly larva have a minimum of 6 pairs of prolegs. Prolegs are not true legs. They are fleshy foot-like organs, that do not appear on the adult insect.

https://bugguide.net/node/view/112944

Four pairs of prolegs are visible on the underside of this Wooly Bear caterpillar. (I had moved him off a paved path for his safety and he chose to "play dead" until I left.) Photo taken at Suncor Trail.