2016 September 06

   Jeremy Tatum writes:  Jannaca Chick sends a photograph of a Catocala from Pedder Bay, September 5.   Our commonest Catocala here is C. aholibah,  though I can’t be completely certain that this isn’t the rather similar C. allusa, which also occurs here.  The caterpillars are distinct, with aholibah feeding on oak, and allusa  on willow.  I’ll be cautious, and label it Catocala aholibah/allusa.

Catocala aholibah/allusa  (Lep.: Erebidae – Catocalinae)  Jannaca Chick

   Annie Pang sends photographs of two bees, with identifications by Linc Best.  The first, photographed on August 17, is Megachile fidelis. The second, from Gorge Park, September 1, is a species of Melissodes.

Megachile fidelis (Hym.:  Megachilidae)   Annie Pang

Melissodes sp. (Hym.:  Apidae)   Annie Pang