Cool Pinery Critters!
We started the day at the moth shack which had attracted a few species including this Showy Emerald!
Small-eyed Sphinx
Lots of critters are attracted to UV light, including this Brown Prionid. They are members of the Longhorn beetle family, native to eastern and central North America. They are identified by the elongated, mahogany-coloured body and impressive size (up to 5 cm). They are an important decomposer. By breaking down decaying trees and logs, larvae accelerate nutrient cycling and help return carbon and organic matter back to the soil. Unlike invasive wood borers, the Brown Prionid rarely attacks healthy living trees, preferring wood that is already compromised, dying or decaying.
https://davethebugguy.org/2026/07/31/orthosoma-brunneum-the-brown-prionid-beetle/
We discovered Slug Moths at the end of the summer last year and wanted to start looking for them earlier in 2026. A lot of time was spent carefully turning over leaves to find these creatures. We found one species this week, a Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth, (6-7 mm in length) and look forward to searching for more! Many species of caterpillars tend to be easier to find later in the season as they grow larger.
Tent Caterpillars are known to build silk trails while travelling between their nest and feeding sites on the tree. The silken strands are sometimes visible in sunlight. Since Tent Caterpillars are native to North America, insect parasites and natural predators like birds and rodents control a certain amount of the population.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/tent-caterpillars.html
Two Io (pronounced eye-oh) Moths have been eating their way up opposite sides of a stem. Once the terminal leaf has been devoured, they will need to branch out on their own to find food.
5 Io moth caterpillars!
Midsummer Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar.- a recently described species!
Ochre Dagger caterpillar: The silk bed can help the caterpillar cling to the leaf on windy days.
A moving piece of "fluff" caught my eye when I was looking at a caterpillar on a nearby leaf. I needed help identifying it, but now believe it is the larva of a Lacewing. These larva are voracious predators and will cover themselves with leftover debris from the food they eat. Based upon the colour and shape of the covering, this individual likely ate wooly aphids at its last meal!
Video of a speedy little Lacewing Larva covered in wooly aphid bits.
4 Canada Geese preening on a log.
After lunch we walked a newly made trail. The trail was created by digging up an old road that was in disrepair. The land change helps to improve habitat needs and safety for turtles, snakes, butterflies, and countless other species!
Compton’s Tortoiseshell! The first one I've seen in a few years!
Slaty Skimmer
Tawny Emperor
A former parking area near the Burley Bridge has been turned into a "safer" habitat for turtle nesting. The fence helps to reduce the number of predators accessing turtle nests, if the nests are laid within the enclosure. Vehicular traffic is no longer permitted in this area.
New dock at Burley Bridge providing a wetland view.