2020 September 8 morning

 

   Gordon Hart writes:  On Monday September 7, while I was waiting for the Bell’s Vireo to appear, a large bright green insect flew low over us. It landed nearby and I was able to find it. I have attached two photos. I was surprised to see that it was a Praying Mantis. I know there is a species that is native to BC in the south Okanagan, but apparently European Mantis, Mantis religiosa, imported to eastern North America and the Okanagan for grasshopper control, have established themselves on east Vancouver Island in Maple Bay (Rob Cannings and G. C. E. Scudder, 2005).

https://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/FamiliesofMantodeaofBritishColumbia.html

Since then, continues Gordon, I read last night that there is a small population on Galiano Island at Sturdies Bay (the ferry terminal is there), and also in the Fulford Valley on Salt Spring Island, also near the Fulford ferry terminal. Rob’s article was 2005, so a lot has happened since then.

Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa (Mantodea:  Mantidae)  Gordon Hart

Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa (Mantodea:  Mantidae)  Gordon Hart

   Jochen Möhr’s moths from Metchosin this morning:

 

2 Euxoa difformis

7 (!) Neoalcis californiaria

1 Feltia jaculifera

 

Euxoa difformis (Lep.: Noctuidae)  Jochen Möhr