Such a variety of things to enjoy even fairly late in the season

 The last couple of posts have featured some of my regular 'go to' places along Lake St. Clair. But, not surprisingly, I have spent quite a bit of time at Rondeau making use of the sunny, summer-like weather, although I try to choose times when the heat and humidity aren't too mid-summer like. And there are always things to see and photograph, so here we go!

Plants are declining in diversity of flowering, but there are some highlights that I look forward to. Winterberry is scattered throughout some of the damper, shrubby habitats, and their bright red berries are nice to see.

 Other colourful ones quite visible and in good flower include:

Broad-leaved Goldenrod

Closed Bottle Gentian, next, is always a highlight, although the abundance this season has been quite poor.

Cylindrical Blazing-star

If you look closely at the Broad-leaved Goldenrod, above, you should see this Pale Green Assasin Bug, presumably waiting for something to assassinate.

Hairy Goldenrod

The leaves of Hairy Goldenrod are not nearly as broad as the Broad-leaved species

Spotted Jewelweed

White Heath Aster

White Rattlesnake Root

  There were still some of this hardwood forest species lingering:

Richweed

As shown above, plants can have various insects making use of them. 

Four-toothed Mason Wasp

Green Stink Bug

Dimorphic Snout

Ambush Bug

I haven't been out with the black light, but I still keep an eye out for moths, as in the Dimorphic Snout shown above. Some, along with other insects, may be spending the daylight hours on the side of a building.

Bent-lined Dart

Common Tan Wave

Maple Spanworm

Northern Walkingstick

At other times, while walking along a trail, there are insects conveniently found on the railings.

Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth

White-eyed Borer

Spurred Darkling Beetle

Spined Soldier Bug

Maple Zale Moth caterpillar

Caterpillars even of the same species can show quite a bit of variation in their appearance. These next two are both Banded Tussock Moth larvae.

This next one, showing two angles, does not have a common name. It's scientific name is Acanthocephala terminalis.

Other creatures I've encountered include an Arrowhead Orbweaver nicely suspended in its web, with a uncluttered background.....

...a Chinese Mantis. It is interesting that amongst most insects, this species can turn its head and keep an eye on you.

Cross Orbweaver

Unfortunately sometimes with all the traffic of vehicles and bicycles, small snakes such as this Northern Brown Snake can be a victim

Hump-backed Beewolf

Mourning Cloak

Red Admiral

Rubbed Dart

I've spent a bit of time roaming the sandy beach areas, thinking of Marie as it was her favourite part of the park. I came across a few Seaside Grasshoppers, which when they aren't in flight can blend in very well...

 ...and I came across this White-footed Mouse hiding under a piece of wood.

Not in the park, but hanging out for a few days at the Keith McLean Conservation Lands nearby, was this Hudsonian Godwit.

 Whew! That's it for this post! If you have managed to get to the end, good for you!

 

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