Wings with 6+ Legs in November!

Insect populations become dormant in late fall making them much more difficult to find. I noticed tiny flying insects on one of the recent sunny days so decided to put some effort into locating some of these creatures. Watching for colours/shapes that "seem out of place" and gently moving leaves on the forest floor can uncover a multitude of life forms!

A parade of ants, heading in two different directions, along a maple leaf stem. They seemed to be on a mission!!

Phyllira Tiger Moth caterpillar, marching across the trail! This is an endangered species in North America. I'm glad we didn't step on it!

A type of fly lacking a common name: Bibio slossonae

Winter Gnat: The larva develop in aquatic environments. Adults are most active during cooler parts of the year, often observed in late autumn or early spring. They are known to be weak fliers and may be found resting on vegetation or near water surfaces.

https://plantiary.com/insect/trichocera-annulata_5970.html

Green Cloverworm Moth caterpillars are known for their voracious appetite for legumes, particularly clover plants. They play an essential role in the ecosystem as a food source for various predators. Adults are excellent fliers, allowing them to disperse easily across different habitats. This individual was resting under a piece of bark in Canatara and I found a second one in our backyard.

https://www.greatlakesmoths.org/moth/green-cloverworm/

Eastern Boxelder Bug, trying to find shelter from winter weather at the front door, and possibly inside the house!

Nosy Pill Woodlouse - I didn't realize that there were so many species of woodlouse. All of the ones that we found were introduced to our area because of anthropogenic means such as pollution or climate change originating from human activity.

Common Shiny Woodlouse

Rathke's Woodlouse

The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle occurs across North America and is only 2-3 mm in diameter. In contrast to most Lady Beetles, they are mildew-feeders. They have special mandibles equipped with fine rows of tiny comb-like teeth used to gather up spores of fungi. A new species for me, and found in our backyard!

https://www.insectsofalberta.com/twentyspottedlb.htm

The chances of locating this cocoon on the day it hatches are very slim. Seeing the emerged adult is likely the only way to determine a positive identification.

Promethea Silkworm Moth Cocoon: The caterpillar uses a rolled leaf to make its cocoon. The leaf stalk is attached to the twig with silk and remains hanging throughout the winter. The adult moth will emerge in early summer.