{"id":910,"date":"2014-05-31T10:49:39","date_gmt":"2014-05-31T17:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/?p=910"},"modified":"2017-04-19T14:26:51","modified_gmt":"2017-04-19T21:26:51","slug":"may-june-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/?p=910","title":{"rendered":"April – May 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

2014 May 29<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum writes: Apologies for a few days\u2019 delay – I have been laid low by some sort of ailment, which kept me in bed or at least in apartment for a few days. Back in business now.<\/p>\n

Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy writes: First time I have ever seen a Red Admiral<\/strong> at Government Gardens. There were 4 Western Tiger Swallowtails<\/strong> in the same area, along with a Western Spring Azure<\/strong> and two Cabbage Whites<\/strong>. Taken this afternoon at 5.30 pm May 24\/2014. Jeremy Tatum writes: Marie\u2019s is the first Red Admiral I\u2019ve heard of this year. I saw a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>at Hillman Trail (Metchosin) on May 24. Also my first Western Tiger Swallowtail <\/strong>this year, at my Saanich apartment. Val George writes: I took this photo of a Common Ringlet<\/strong> (if you prefer, Coenonympha tullia<\/strong><\/em> [ yes, I do! – Jeremy!]) at Rithet’s Bog today, May 24. He photographed one of 6 Purplish Coppers <\/strong>at Island View Beach on May 27, around the patches of Black Knotweed Polygonum paronychia<\/em>, which is doubtless the larval foodplant. Also there were a Common Ringlet Coenonympha tullia<\/em>, a Western Tiger Swallowtail <\/strong>(alas no Anises <\/strong>on the Lomatium <\/em>or the Glehnia<\/em>!) and 8 Cabbage Whites.<\/strong><\/p>\n


\nRed Admiral Vanessa atalanta <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy<\/p>\n


\nWestern Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus <\/em>(Lep.:Papilionidae) Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy<\/p>\n


\nCoenonympha tullia <\/em>(Lep.: Nymphalidae -Satyrinae) Val George<\/p>\n


\nPurplish Copper Lycaena helloides <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Val George<\/p>\n

Bill Katz sends a photo of the moth Lacinipolia patalis<\/em><\/strong> from Summit Hill, May19.<\/p>\n


\nLacinipolia patalis <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum sends photos of three moths from his Saanich apartment, May 28-29.<\/p>\n


\nNoctua pronuba <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n


\nEulithis xylina <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n


\nCampaea perlata <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

2014 May 23<\/strong><\/p>\n

The female Polyphemus Moth <\/strong>that has been at the front door of the Swan Lake nature house for several days has moved, and is now at the right hand side of the door at an eminently photographable height. Her patience has been rewarded, for she has been visited by a male suitor, who has large bipectinate antennae. He is on the ceiling above the door, and not so easily photographable. Chantelle Tearoe, Office Coordinator at the nature house, snapped this picture of the female. As you can see, the moth has just laid an egg. She will doubtless lay many more on the wall of the nature house. The caterpillars will have to be rescued, otherwise they will starve unless given some nice leaves. They have been found on many trees and shrubs, but willow or alder are safe bets.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPolyphemus Moth Antheraea polyphemus <\/em>(Lep.:Saturniidae)
\nChantelle Tearoe<\/p>\n

Bill Katz found Jeff\u2019s Silvery Blues<\/strong> on May 22. He writes: I drove back to Helmcken and found the bus stop across the road from the exit ramp – it’s actually on the entrance ramp to the Hwy going north from the hospital. Jeremy Tatum reports a Purplish Copper<\/strong> on May 22, on the East Saanich IR, north of Island View Beach.<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum writes: The moth below was at my Saanich apartment of May 21. As mentioned on May 16, I\u2019ll continue calling it Cerisy\u2019s Eyed Hawk Moth Smerinthus cerisyi<\/em><\/strong> for the time being, although some authors are now treating the race ophthalmica<\/em> as a full species. I released this moth in the Blenkinsop Valley after photographing it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCerisy\u2019s Eyed Hawk Moth Smerinthus cerisyi <\/em>(Lep.:Sphingidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Last fall, Bill Savale found an unfamiliar caterpillar on Grindelia<\/em> at Island View Beach. It somewhat resembled the familiar Cucullia montanae<\/em>, but it didn\u2019t seem quite right, and, in its final instar, it was clear that it was some other species. Jeremy Tatum kept the caterpillar. The moth emerged on May 22, and, after it had posed for a photograph, he took it out to Island View and released it. The moth has a \u201chood\u201d over its head. The Latin for \u201chood\u201d is cucullus –<\/em> hence the generic name of the moth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\nCucullia florea <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosemary Jorna writes: This little moth was resting at the Sunriver Community Gardens in Sooke last evening (May 22):<\/p>\n

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\nCinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaeae <\/em>(Lep.: Erebidae – Arctiinae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

2014 May 21<\/strong><\/p>\n

Notice to Contributors. <\/strong>While this site was originally conceived as an \u201cAlert\u201d it has also developed into a great Photo Gallery as well. The \u201cAlert\u201d function has been a bit diminished since we lost the \u201cSend2Page\u201d facility, and we are at present not able to post all contributions immediately. We are looking into ways in which we might be able to restore a more immediate response and hence restore the \u201cAlert\u201d aspect. We will continue to welcome contributions of both \u201cAlert\u201d and \u201cPhoto Gallery\u201d nature. However, in the case of some of the commoner species that are not \u201cAlerts\u201d (except perhaps for first occurrences in a season), or invertebrates of which you may have several photos, we draw attention to the VNHS Flicker sites, one for general photos (https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/groups\/vnhs\/<\/a>) and one specifically for the InvertAlert (https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/groups\/invertalert). To join or add photos to these sites, just click on the links and follow the instructions on the site. If you already have a Yahoo or Flickr account, the process to add the group is very easy.<\/p>\n

Jeff Gaskin writes (May 20): Two more Mourning Cloaks<\/strong> to tell you about, and what a year they are having, one was in Hyacinth Park and one was at Panama Flats. Also, of interest were 2 Western Tiger Swallowtails<\/strong> seen at Panama Flats. Jeremy Tatum reports yet another Mourning Cloak<\/strong>, from Swan Lake, May 19. And on May 20 there were two Painted Ladies<\/strong> and a West Coast Lady<\/strong> near the Jeffery Pine at the top of Mount Tolmie.<\/p>\n

Rosemary Jorna sends a photo of a Purplish Copper <\/strong>from the narrowest part of Whiffin Spit, May 20.<\/p>\n

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\nPurplish Copper Lycaena helloides <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

Val George writes: Butterfly photos from May 19. The Mylitta Crescent<\/strong> was taken at Harewood Plains near Nanaimo. The Pale Swallowtail<\/strong> is from Panama Flats.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMylitta Crescent Phyciodes mylitta <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Val George<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPale Tiger Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon <\/em>(Lep.:Papilionidae) Val George<\/p>\n

Jeremy Gatten sends a photo of the rather destructive defoliator playing havoc with the Garry Oaks in Uplands Park. It is the caterpillar of the moth known currently as Erannis<\/em><\/strong> vancouverensis<\/strong><\/em>, though Jeremy Tatum wonders whether it might in fact be an invader from Europe, E. defoliator.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em>
\nErannis vancouverensis <\/em>(Lep.:Geomtridae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan sends a varied bunch of insect photos from the weekend. The fly is from Swan Lake. The dragonflies and damselflies are from Beaver Lake Ponds (one of the best dragonfly places in the area). The butterflies and moth are from Mount Douglas.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSyrphid fly (ID, anyone?) (Dip.:Syrphidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCalifornia Darner Rhionaeschna californica<\/em>(Odo.:Aeshnidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCalifornia Darner Rhionaeschna californica<\/em>(Odo.:Aeshnidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nTule Bluet Enallagma carunculatum <\/em>(Odo.:Coenagrionidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPropertius Duskywing Erannis propertius <\/em>(Lep.: Hesperiidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Brown Elfin Incisalia iroides <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nAdela septentrionella <\/em>(Lep.:Incurvariidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nFour-spotted Skimmer Libellula quadrimaculata <\/em>(Odo.:Libellulidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nFour-spotted Skimmer Libellula quadrimaculata <\/em>(Odo.:Libellulidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

2014 May 19<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Polyphemus Moth<\/strong> that has been near the left hand light above the door of the Swan Lake nature house for several days was still there on May 19.<\/p>\n

Jeff Gaskin writes: There were 5 Silvery Blues<\/strong> amongst the lupines at the Colwood exit of the Trans Canada Hwy. today May 18, and I found another Silvery Blue<\/strong> at Helmcken Road and the Hwy. This one was amongst lupines too. The spot is right behind a bus stop at the Hwy ramp and Helmcken . Also, of note I found a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>and a Western Tiger Swallowtail<\/strong> along the Galloping Goose trail between the Colwood exit and Goldstream Ave. Another Mourning Cloak<\/strong> and another Western Tiger Swallowtail<\/strong> were in front of the Oxford Inn at Gorge Road. and Albany Avenue.<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum visited Jeff\u2019s Silvery Blue<\/strong> colony at the Colwood turnoff from the Island Highway on May 16. It was a windy day and difficult to catch more than a brief glimpse of the butterflies, though he did see three or four. There were many ova on the lupine flower heads, surprisingly visible even at a distance. Also on May 16 he saw a Grey Hairstreak <\/strong>and a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>in front of the Oak Bay war memorial at Cattle Point, and two more Mourning Cloaks<\/strong> in Uplands Park. On May 17, there was a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>at Luxton Road, Langford, and on May 18 there was another Mourning Cloak <\/strong>at Vantreight\u2019s bulb fields in central Saanich.<\/p>\n

Aziza Cooper writes: A Grey Hairstreak<\/strong> was on a clover blossom on the east side near the metal building at Panama Flats this afternoon. I’ve attached a photo.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>
\nGrey Hairstreak Strymon melinus <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Aziza Cooper<\/p>\n

On May 17, Jeremy Tatum found a tiny Sara Orangetip <\/strong>caterpillar on Barbaria<\/em> in the hydro line at Munn Road.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSara Orangetip Anthocharis sara <\/em>(Lep.:Pieridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

The leaves of many Viburum<\/em> shrubs this week are brown and badly skeletonized. If you look underneath the leaves you may see many small blackish and yellowish grubs. These are the grubs of the Viburnum Leaf Beetle<\/strong>. Jeremy Tatum photographed two of them at his Saanich apartment on May 17.<\/p>\n

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\nViburnum Leaf Beetle Pyrrhalta viburni <\/em>(Col.:Chrysomelidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/em><\/p>\n

Gordon Hart writes: In our yard (Highland District) today (May 16), there were several Western Spring Azures<\/strong> and Cabbage Whites<\/strong>, one Pale Tiger Swallowtail<\/strong> and a Two-banded Skipper<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>
\nTwo-banded Skipper Pyrgus ruralis <\/em>(Lep.:Hesperiidae) Gordon Hart
\nBill Katz sends some moth photos. First the micro Udea profundalis<\/em><\/strong>, from his Summit Hill garage, May 16. The caterpillar is a nettle feeder.<\/p>\n

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\nUdea profundalis <\/em>(Lep.:Crambidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Next, the pug Eupithecia rotundopuncta<\/em><\/strong> from Goldstream Park, May 18.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nEupithecia rotundopuncta <\/em>(Lep.:Geomtridae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Now an American Lappet Moth <\/strong>from his productive Summit Hill Garage. The way that this moth holds its fore- and hindwings is characteristic.<\/p>\n

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\nPhyllodesma americana <\/em>(Lep.:Lasiocampidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

And finally, a new moth for this site, Metarrhanthis duaria<\/em><\/strong>, from Stewart Mountain, May 17.
\n\"\"
\nMetarrhanthis duaria<\/em> (Lep.:Geometriodae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

2014 May 16<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reminder <\/strong>for the May Butterfly Count: Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 25<\/em>
\nWe are always looking for keen-eyed volunteers to submit butterfly records. If you would like to participate, please contact Aziza Cooper <\/strong>at tanageraz@yahoo.com.<\/p>\n

Val George, May 15, stopped at the Colwood intersection on the Trans Canada Hwy to check out the Silvery Blues<\/strong> reported by Jeff Gaskin. 4 or 5 were flying around the lupine patch and presenting good opportunities for photos.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSilvery Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Val George<\/p>\n

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\nSilvery Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Val George<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum shows a micro moth, freshly emerged from its pupa, from Mount Tolmie, May 15. This is one of several moth species which, at a distance, look remarkably like bird-droppings. Seen close-up, the deception is revealed. And on the same day Jeremy Gatten sends in a photo from Saanichton of another of these tortricid bird-dropping moths.<\/p>\n

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\nHedya nubiferana <\/em>(Lep.:Tortricidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>
\nAcleris nivisellana <\/em>(Lep.:Tortricidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2014 May 14<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some enthusiasts may have known that there has been a cocoon of the Polyphemus Moth <\/strong>outside the door of the Swan Lake nature house all winter. The adult moth emerged today (May 14), and this evening it was still sitting next to the lamp at the left hand side of the nature house door. It is a female. Females don\u2019t fly around much – they don\u2019t feed; they merely await the arrival of a husband. There is a fairly good chance that it will still be there tomorrow (May 15), so, if you have never seen a Polyphemus Moth before, here\u2019s your chance.<\/p>\n

Val George sends a photo of a Grey Hairstreak<\/strong> from Cattle Point in Oak Bay this afternoon, May 14.<\/p>\n

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\nGrey Hairstreak Strymon melinus <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Val George<\/p>\n

Aziza Cooper sends a photo of Autographa californica<\/em><\/strong> in the grass at Beacon Hill Park on the east side near Heywood and Park Streets.<\/p>\n

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\nAutographa californica <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae)\u00a0 Aziza Cooper<\/p>\n

Jeff Gaskin reports a Western Tiger Swallowtail <\/strong>in Gorge Park today (May 14) – his first of the year. He reports that on Tuesday (naturally) May 13, The Tuesday Group went up Observatory Hill and saw 6+ Sara Orangetips, <\/strong>several Western Spring Azures, 2 Satyr Commas, and a Mourning Cloak. <\/strong>Another Mourning Cloak<\/strong> was seen from the car along West Saanich Road near Interurban Road. On May 12 there was a Mourning<\/strong> Cloak<\/strong> on Harriet Road near Obed Avenue. Jeremy Tatum reports a Satyr Comma <\/strong>from Blenkinsop Lake on May 12. Rosemary Jorna reports a few Mourning Cloaks<\/strong>, and more Western\u00a0Spring Azures<\/strong> were flying along the road in Scout Camp Bernard on May 12. Then in front of the Archery Range there were 25 to 30 fresh Western Spring Azures<\/strong> mud puddling. She sends a photo of a few of the mud-puddlers, and a close-up of a Western Spring Azure<\/strong>, as well as the millipede Harpaphe haydeniana.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em><\/strong>
\nWestern Spring Azure Celastrina echo <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

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\nWestern Spring Azure Celastrina echo <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

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\nMillipede Harpaphe haydeniana <\/em>(Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae)
\nRosemary Jorna
\nJeremy Tatum writes that a friend dug up an interesting-looking pupa (dipterous puparium) from her garden in Victoria:<\/p>\n

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\nMystery object Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

This is what ecloded (emerged) a few days later, May 13:<\/p>\n

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\nNarcissus Bulb Fly Merodon equestris <\/em>(Dip.:Syrphidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum also shows two geometrid caterpillars from Physocarpus<\/em> at Maber Flats, May 13.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHemithea aestivaria <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

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\nEulithis xylina <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae)
\nJeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

2014 May 13<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jeff Gaskin writes (May 12): Just to let you know that up to five Silvery Blues <\/strong>are amongst the lupines at the Colwood exit of the Island Highway. The lupines are just starting to flower now and the blues are very busy flying around the flowers.<\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan sends a batch of various insects and a spider from Beaver Lake Ponds, May 11. The first is a jumping spider<\/strong> of the family Salticidae<\/strong>. This is a large family with many similar species, and it would probably be unsafe to give it a name here.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nJumping spider (Ara.:Salticidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Next is a march fly.<\/p>\n

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\nMarsh Fly\u00a0Sepeda americana\u00a0<\/em>(Dip.: Sciomyzidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Next is a bee. A tentative suggestion is that it might be Eucera <\/em>sp.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>
\nUnidentified bee. Perhaps Eucera <\/em>sp. (Hym.: Apidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Next is a leaf beetle, probably Donacia <\/em><\/strong>or Plateumaris<\/em><\/strong>(not sure which)<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLeaf beetle Donacia <\/em>or Plateumaris <\/em>(Col.:Chrysomelidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

The next one is a ladybird <\/strong>beetle – relatively easy to identify by counting the spots and knowing the Latin for thirteen:<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHippodamia tredecimpunctata <\/em>(Col.:Coccinellidae) Ken Vaughan<\/em><\/p>\n

And finally a damselfly. Rob Cannings writes: This is a female Ischnura cervula<\/em><\/strong>, I believe. A blue form, but not one of those with the male-type, broken antehumeral stripes.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPacific Forktail Ischnura cervula<\/em> (Odo.: Coenagrionidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

2014 May 12<\/strong>
\nVal George photographed a Painted Lady <\/strong>on Mount Tolmie on May 9. It and a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>were still there on May 11. Jeremy Tatum and Bill Savale visited Latoria Creek Park on May 11, and found a little glade with lots of butterflies – Sara Orangetips, Cabbage Whites, Satyr Commas, Western Spring Azures<\/strong>, and maybe ten or more Mourning Cloaks. <\/strong>We also found there the geometrid moth Spargania luctuata<\/em>. <\/strong>Gerry and Wendy Ansell saw their first Western Tiger Swallowtail<\/strong> of the year on May 11, in Thetis Lake Regional Park.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPainted Lady Vanessa cardui <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Val George<\/p>\n

Bill Katz drove up to the top of Mt Douglas on May 11 and found Painted Ladies<\/strong>, Swallowtails<\/strong> (not sure which as they didn’t stop for photos) and a dark small butterfly with red spots that he hadn’t seen before. (It\u2019s a great photo, with the wings open, of a Grey Hairstreak<\/strong> – Jeremy.)<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum wonders: Have the Painted Ladies flown in from somewhere, or did they overwinter here? Val\u2019s specimen is evidently a very fresh specimen, while Bill\u2019s is worn. What can we deduce from that – if anything?
\n\"\"
\nPainted Lady Vanessa cardui <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Bill Katz.<\/p>\n

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\nPainted Lady Vanessa cardui <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

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\nGrey Hairstreak Strymon melinus <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Bill Katz.<\/p>\n

Ian Cruickshank sends photos of two moths from Mount McDonald (Sooke Hills), May 8. One of them is Melanolophia imitata<\/em>. The other is a highflier of the genus Hydriomena<\/em>. Jeremy Tatum writes that he is not certain of the species (there are many!), but it is most likely H. furcata<\/em> or perhaps H. edentata<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMelanolophia imitata <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Ian Cruickshank<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHydriomena <\/em>sp.(Lep.:Geometridae) Ian Cruickshank<\/p>\n

Bill Katz sends a photo of the moth Xanthorhoe defensaria<\/em><\/strong> and the snail Monadenia fidelis <\/em><\/strong>(known variously as the Faithful Snail <\/strong>or the Pacific Sideband<\/strong>) from Goldstream Park, and the snail Cepaea nemoralis<\/em><\/strong> from Finnerty Gardens, May 10.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nXanthorhoe defensaria <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

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\nMonadenia fidelis <\/em>(Pul.:Bradybaenidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

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\nCepaea nemoralis <\/em>(Pul.:Helicidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Rosemary Jorna photographed two spiders on her deck at Otter Point on May 7.
\nWe are grateful to Robb Bennett, who comments:<\/p>\n

#1 is an immature male anyphaenid “ghost spider” – Anyphaena<\/em> sp. Hunting, primarily nocturnal spiders; two species are fairly common in BC. Anyphaena aperta<\/em> (a west coast endemic) is the most likely identification in our area, but A. pacifica<\/em> is also around. Folks don’t often notice these spiders because they are relatively small, cryptic, and most active at night.<\/p>\n

#2 is a male philodromid “agile crab spider**\u201d – Philodromus dispar<\/em>. Males of the species are very common in\/around homes this time of year – a Palaearctic species introduced to the west coast [and one of the only species of Philodromus<\/em> (a very large genus) that is easy to eyeball to species].<\/p>\n

**also known by some authors as \u201crunning crab spiders\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nGhost spider Anyphaena <\/em>sp. (Ara.:Anyphaenidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nAgile crab spider Philodromus dispar <\/em>(Ara.:Philodromidae)
\nRosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

2014 May 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

Notice to contributors. <\/strong>As we noted in an earlier posting (March 24) it generally takes up to three or four days between when we receive a contribution and when we manage to post it. This usually works out well. However, occasionally there is a report of some special invertebrate (a rarity, perhaps, or a first sighting of the season) and people would like to dash out and see if they could see it, in a similar manner to a report of a rare bird.
\nIn such cases (a \u201cchaseable\u201d invertebrate) we shall make a special effort to get the report posted as soon as we can after it is received. Let us know if you feel that a report that you send in possibly comes into this category, and we\u2019ll do our best!<\/p>\n

In the meantime…<\/p>\n

Rosemary Jorna sends photos of bumblebee and a beetle (possible a weevil) from her deck at Otter Point, May 7. I hope someone can identify them for us.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified bee (Hym.:Apidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified beetle, possibly a weevil (Col.: Curculionidae?) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum reports a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>from the reservoir on top of Mount Tolmie, May 6. It may well hang around for a while. Jeff Gaskin reports a Green Comma <\/strong>from Hector Road, May 7. He had a good look at it when it settled and was able to identify it with certainty. And Gerry Ansell reports a Grey Hairstreak<\/strong> and a Propertius Duskywing<\/strong> at the summit of Lone Tree Hill, May 7.<\/p>\n

Here are some recent insects from Mount Tolmie, photographed on May 4 by Ken Vaughan. We don\u2019t always know the names of the animals shown on this site, so, if there are any viewers out there who can help with identifications, please do let us know.<\/p>\n

Ken\u2019s first is a young caterpillar of Erannis vancouverensis <\/em><\/strong>(which I suspect might actually be European E<\/em>. defoliaria<\/em>) on apple. In a couple of weeks we\u2019ll be seeing hundreds of the full-grown version of this caterpillar, on many trees, but especially on oaks. How can I identify such a young caterpillar? The way it is menacingly holding its head and thoracic legs is quite characteristic of the species.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nErannis vancouverensis <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Ken\u2019s second photo was of a micro caterpillar on the same apple tree. Probably a tortricid.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified caterpillar. (Lep.: probably Tortricidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Ken\u2019s next two are flies. I\u2019d really like to know what the first one is. When you walk along a trail with a hedge on either side, there are always numbers of this red-eyed fly on the shrubs on either side of the trail, and they are always (or so it seems) facing into the trail, as if they are watching you. Can anyone identify either of these flies for us??<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified fly, perhaps Helina <\/em>sp. (Dip.: Muscidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified fly (Diptera) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Next, a snakefly. Formerly part of the Neuroptera, snakeflies now have an order of their own, the Raphidioptera.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSnakefly Agulla <\/em>sp. (Rap.: Raphidiidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Ken\u2019s last is obviously a bee, but I don\u2019t know which. Ken suggests a \u201cdigger bee\u201d (Anthophorinae), but it\u2019ll need an expert to help us.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified bee (Hym.: Apidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum writes: Here is a caterpillar of Synaxis jubararia <\/em><\/strong>from UVic,
\nMay 7.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSynaxis jubararia <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Bruce Whittington sends a photo of a caterpillar of the Silver-spotted Tiger Moth<\/strong> from Ladysmith.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSilver-spotted Tiger Moth Lophocampa argentata <\/em>(Lep.:Erebidae – Arctiinae)
\nBruce Whittington<\/p>\n

2014 May 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy sends us a nice face-to-face picture of a Western Brown Elfin<\/strong>
\nfrom the gardens of Government House, May 2.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Brown Elfin Incisalia iroides <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy<\/p>\n

On May 3, Bill Katz found a Euthyatira pudens <\/em><\/strong>On the wall of the UVic Interfaith Chapel. Its caterpillar feeds on Cornus stonolifera. <\/em>He also sends a photo of a female Western Spring Azure <\/strong>from Summit Hill.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nEuthyatira pudens <\/em>(Lep.:Drepanidae – Thyatirinae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Spring Azure Celastrina echo <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Jeff Gaskin reports a Painted Lady<\/strong> near the summit of Mount Tolmie, May 2. Jeremy Tatum reports a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>on Mount Tolmie and another one at his Poplar Avenue apartment, May 1. He photographed two moths from the Lochside trail north of Blenkinsop Lake, May 1.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nAseptis adnixa <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nAmerican Lappet Moth Phyllodesma americana <\/em>(Lep.:Lasiocampidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan writes: I took a quick walk after work around Swan Lake on May 1, and didn’t find much of interest, with one exception – a moth with feathers for wings.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nAlucita montana <\/em>(Lep.:Alucitidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

2014 May 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several April 30 butterfly sightings: Jeremy Tatum reports that he saw a Mourning Cloak <\/strong>at UVic. Jeff Gaskin reports that while hiking the Lochside trail from Borden Street to Lohbrunner he found one Mourning Cloak<\/strong> and one Satyr Comma<\/strong>. He saw another Mourning Cloak <\/strong>at a rather unusual location – at the corner of Oak Street and Saanich Street which is right by Wal Mart. Val George reports the following from Observatory Hill (Little Saanich Mountain): 5 Propertius Duskywings<\/strong>, at least 10 Sara Orangetips, 1 Cabbage White.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan sends some photos from the retreiver ponds at Beaver Lake, April 29.
\nThe first two are damselflies<\/strong>, probably female Pacific Forktails<\/strong>. Next, a California<\/strong> Darner<\/strong>. And lastly what Ken describes as a \u201cbig shaggy fly\u201d. Jeremy Tatum writes: \u201cThis stumped me for a while. A tachinid? A tabanid? It looks pretty fierce, but I don\u2019t think it is one of these. The last thing I thought of was a syrphid. Syrphids are gentle, attractive flies, not at all fierce in appearance. Yet, in the end, I think it is indeed a syrphid, though not what one thinks of as a typical one. I believe it is a syrphid fly of the genus Criorrhina<\/em>. Quite an impressive insect to find and to photograph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nProbably Pacific Forktail Ischnura cervula <\/em>(Odo.:Coenagrionidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nProbably Pacific Forktail Ischnura cervula <\/em>(Odo.:Coenagrionidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCalifornia Darner Rhionaeschna californica <\/em>(Odo.:Aeshnidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nProbably Criorrhina <\/em>sp.(Dip.:Syrphidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Ken also visited Rithet\u2019s Bog on April 29, and came away with some photographic prizes. First a Yellow Dung Fly. Then an unidentified hymenopteran. A jumping spider. A leaf beetle. A shield\/stink bug. And a crane fly with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Robb Bennett tells us the jumping spiders can be hard to identify. He writes: \u201cFirst guess is a male of Eris militaris<\/em>. But I could be mistaken, even at
\ngenus level.\u201d Can anyone help with the wasp, the beetle and the crane fly?<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nYellow Dung Fly Scathophaga stercoraria <\/em>(Dip.:Scathophagidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUnidentified hymenopteran Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nJumping spider. Unknown for certain, but
\nPossibly a male Eris militaris<\/em>
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLeaf beetle (Col.:Chrysomelidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nEuschistus conspersus <\/em>(Hem.:Pentatomidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCrane fly (Dip.:Tipulidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Val George writes: Here is a photo of a Propertius Duskywing<\/strong> I took today, April 28, at Mt Douglas. Also there were: 3 Spring Azures, c<\/em>5 Sara Orangetips, 1 Cabbage White.<\/strong> I also got this shot of the moth Cissusa indiscreta<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPropertius Duskywing Erynnis propertius <\/em>(Lep.:Hesperiidae) Val George<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCissusa indiscreta <\/em>(Lep.: Erebidae – Erebinae) Val George<\/p>\n

Bill Katz writes: Some moths have finally returned to the garage. This morning (April 29) there were five\u00a0Alucita montana<\/em><\/strong> (Montana Six Plume Moth) <\/strong>in one corner of the garage and on another wall was the first Xanthorhoe defensaria<\/em><\/strong> I’ve seen on Summit Hill. Spring Azures, Cabbage Whites<\/strong> and Brown Elfins<\/strong> were in the garden in the afternoon plus a green and brown bug (photo attached). A caterpillar (photo attached) of the Silver-spotted Tiger Moth Lophocampa argentata <\/em><\/strong>was on the brick wall of the pool house.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nBanasa <\/em>sp. (Hem.:Pentatomidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSilver-spotted Tiger Moth Lophocampa argentata<\/em>
\n(Lep.:Erebidae – Arctiinae)
\nBill Katz<\/p>\n

Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy photographed a Western Spring Azure<\/strong>at Ten-mile Point on April 23.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Spring Azure Celastrina echo <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy<\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan writes: I was out to Swan Lake this morning (April 28), and found my first true dragonflies. I saw two male California Darners<\/strong>. Also included is a female Pacific Forktail.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCalifornia Darner Rhionaeschna californica <\/em>(Odo.: Aeshnidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPacific Forktail Ischnura cervula <\/em>(Odo.:Coenagrionidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum shows a caterpillar of Campaea perlata<\/em> from an alder at UVic, April 28.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCampaea perlata <\/em>(Lep.: Geometridae)
\nJeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

2014 April 28<\/strong>
\nJeremy Tatum reports a Mourning Cloak<\/strong> from Munn Road, April 26. Rather less welcome the following day was a Bluebottle Fly Calliphora vomitoria<\/em><\/strong>in his kitchen.<\/p>\n

Bill Katz writes: I was treated to a marvellous view of a backlit Western Brown Elfin<\/strong> in our garden on Summit Hill this afternoon (April 25). Diffraction gave it a striking blue or green edge which I haven’t seen before. The other photo is a Cabbage White<\/strong> in a tapestry of flowers. The butterfly image is relatively small but I wanted to share the shot.
\nTwo common butterflies; two glorious moments. Bill also sends a photograph of the moth Nola minna<\/em><\/strong> from Goldstream Park, April 27.<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum comments: The flowers are, of course, the introduced European Bluebell Hyacinthoides nonscripta<\/em>. An introduced European butterfly on an introduced European plant. But one can\u2019t deny that it\u2019s a beautiful picture!<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Brown Elfin Incisalia iroides<\/em> (Lep.:Lycaenidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCabbage White Pieris rapae <\/em>(Lep.:Pieridae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nNola minna <\/em>(Lep.: Nolidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Annie Pang sends poetograms of a bee and a butterfly from Gorge Park, April 27.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nYellow-faced Bumblebee Bombus vosnesenskii <\/em>(Hym.: Apidae) Annie Pang<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Spring Azure Celastrina echo <\/em>(Lep.Lycaenidae) Annie Pang<\/p>\n

2014 April 24<\/strong>
\nJeff Gaskin writes: On Tuesday, April 22, along the Lochside trail north and south of Blenkinsop Lake there were four Western Spring Azures<\/strong> and that was all.
\nAt Swan Lake also on Tuesday, by the Tuesday Pond were four Satyr Commas<\/strong>, and 1<\/strong> Mourning Cloak<\/strong>. Three Western Spring Azures<\/strong> were by the nature house and near the parking lot. Finally one Mourning Cloak<\/strong>, and one Western Spring Azure<\/strong> were near the lollipop wharf in front of the nature house. Annie Pang saw a Western Spring Azure <\/strong>at Gorge Park on the same date, but she writes: \u201cit didn’t land – so no pictures\u201d!<\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan sends some photos from Swan Lake, April 23. Thanks to Robb Bennett for the identification of the spider. Robb writes: \u201cThe beast is a philodromid crab spider. A species of Tibellus<\/em>; almost certainly T. oblongus<\/em>, which is very common in BC, especially here on the coast.\u201d I wonder if anyone can identify the flies for us? The first of Ken\u2019s flies looks as though it might be the same species as Rosemary Jorna\u2019s fly on the April 20 posting.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nRunning crab spider Tibellus <\/em>sp. (probably oblongus<\/em>) (Ara.:Philodromidae)
\nKen Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHover fly (Dip.:Syrphidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHover fly (Dip.:Syrphidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPacific Forktail Ischnura cervula <\/em>(Odo.:Coenagrionidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nYellow-faced Bumblebee Bombus vosnesenskii <\/em>(Hym.: Apidae)
\nKem Vaughan<\/p>\n

2014 April 11<\/strong>
\nBill Katz shows a Triphosa haesitata<\/em><\/strong>from Goldstream and a Behrensia conchiformis<\/em><\/strong> from Haro Road, April 11. The caterpillar of the first feeds on Cascara, and that of the second on Snowberry. The green reflections from the wings of Behrensia conchiformis<\/em> fairly scintillate in strong sunlight. Not sure what selective advantage this has, but it must have some!<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nAmerican Tissue Moth Triphosa haesitata <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nBehrensia conchiformis <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae)Bill Katz
\nJeremy Tatum writes: It seems a bit early in the year to start talking about Lorquin\u2019s Admiral<\/strong>, but on April 9 I couldn\u2019t help noticing, on a willow twig at Blenkinsop Lake, a little hibernaculum – the small folded leaf inside which the first-instar caterpillar of Lorquin\u2019s Admiral spends the winter. The hibernaculum was empty, but, sure enough, I spotted the tiny caterpillar a few inches away on the twig.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLorquin\u2019s Admiral hibernaculum Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLorquin\u2019s Admiral Limenitis lorquini<\/em>
\n(Lep.:Nymphalidae)
\nJeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

More to be expected at this time of the year is the familiar day-flying moth Mesoleuca gratulata<\/em><\/strong>, also found at Blenkinsop Lake on April 9. Its caterpillar feeds on Rubus<\/em> species.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMesoleuca gratulata <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Bill Katz has noted several butterflies at Swan Lake and Summit Hill in the last few days – Mourning Cloaks, Western Spring Azures, Western Brown Elfins and Cabbage Whites.<\/strong>
\n\"\"
\nMourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Spring Azure Celastrina echo <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWestern Brown Elfin Incisalia iroides <\/em>(Lep.:Lycaenidae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Gerry and Wendy Ansell and Jeremy Tatum report a few Cabbage Whites <\/strong>and a Sara Orangetip<\/strong> from Swan Lake, April 7. Val George reports a Western Tiger Swallowtail <\/strong>and two Cabbage Whites <\/strong>near the Royal British Columbia Museum, also on April 7.<\/p>\n

Rosemary Jorna writes: Ticks<\/strong> are out — they found us on both Mt Bluff above Scout Camp Bernard on April 5,\u00a0and in the Blue Green Belt today. The photo of the tick was taken just before its removal, done during the hike Saturday April 5, 2014 Another was found wandering around another hiker earlier today April 7, 2014. We had been on Flower Ridge. Comma <\/strong>butterflies were active on 2 sunny slopes on flower ridge but moving too fast to photograph. The deer carcass behind the rock at the parking lot in Sooke Potholes Provincial Park April 7) kept two commas<\/strong> [Green Commas<\/strong>, I think – Jeremy Tatum] still enough to catch a photo but still too wary for a close up. A Mourning Cloak<\/strong> was also attracted to the deer but did not settle. The photo is of the Mourning Cloak<\/strong> in the Barnes Station parking lot of the Sooke Potholes Regional Park (April 7 The spider<\/strong> was on the car in the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park lot April 7.
\nRobb Bennett says that the tick looks a bit like a female of Ixodes pacificus<\/em><\/strong>, but he\u2019d need to see the animal and examine it closely to be sure.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nTick Ixodes <\/em>sp.(Aca.:Ixodidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nGreen Commas Polygonia faunus <\/em>(Lep.: Nymphalidae) on deer carcass. Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa <\/em>(Lep.: Nymphalidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

Robb Bennett writes: \u201cthis is a thomisid crab spider, a species of Xysticus<\/em>. Can’t tell
\nwhat species. Looks like an immature male.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nXysticus <\/em>sp.(Ara.:Thomisidae) Rosemary Jorna<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum writes: Here is another Egira curialis<\/em><\/strong>from my Saanich apartment. Also a lacewing<\/strong>.- thanks to Claudia Copley for identifying it for us.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nEgira curialis <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLacewing. Nothochrysa californica<\/em> (Neu.: Chrysopidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

2014 April 07<\/strong>
\nJeremy Tatum writes: The rather conspicuous hairy black flies with dangling dark reddish legs that we see flying around sluggishly in April and May and which occasionally collide with us are bibionid <\/strong>flies. One landed on my Saanich balcony on April 7 asking to be photographed. They are often quite inappropriately called \u201cMarch\u201d flies. This is inappropriate not only because in Victoria they are more likely to be seen in April and May, but more importantly for the following reason. The most familiar European species was named by Linnaeus Bibio marci<\/em>. The name marci<\/em> has nothing to do with the month of March, but it refers to Saint Mark, since the flies traditionally first appear near to St Marks\u2019 Day, April 25, and the flies are more properly called St Marks\u2019 flies<\/strong>. The forward-pointing apical spur at the end of the foreleg tibia distinguishes flies of the genus Bibio<\/em> from similar genera in the family Bibionidae. Can anyone identify for us the species shown below?<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMale St Marks\u2019 fly Bibio <\/em>sp.(Dip.:Bibionidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Here are two pugs, one photographed by Jeremy Tatum in Saanich on April 7, the other photographed by Jeremy Gatten in Metchosin on April 5.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nEupithecia annulata <\/em>(Lep.: Geometridae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em>
\nEupithecia graefii\u00a0<\/em>(Lep.: Geometridae)\u00a0 Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

Jeremy Gatten also sends some moths and a beetle from Colwood and Metchosin on April 5.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em>
\nLithophane petulca<\/em> (Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em>
\nXanthorhoe defensaria<\/em> (Lep.:Geometridae)
\n\"\"<\/em>
\nPlectrura spinicauda <\/em>(Col.: Cerambicidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum reports a Satyr Comma<\/strong> from Lochside Drive north of Blenkinsop Lake on April 4<\/p>\n

Bill Katz sends a photograph of Hypena decorata <\/em><\/strong>from the Goldstream Nature Houise, which is very productive at the moment.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHypena decorata <\/em>(Lep.:Erebidae – Hypeninae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

Gerry and Wendy Ansell found these two bright red net-winged beetles on the grounds of Royal Roads University during a fungus field trip on April 4. Wendy writes: We have seen only three species of butterflies so far this spring – several Mourning Cloaks<\/strong>, several Satyr Commas<\/strong>, and one Sara Orangetip<\/strong> on Mount Douglas.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nDictyopterus simplicipes <\/em>(Col.: Lycidae) Wendy Ansell<\/p>\n

Annie Pang writes on April 5: Happy Spring! I was in the garden today for a while when I saw my first Cabbage White<\/strong> butterfly land on the Pampas Grass that I was cleaning up. I recently received this lovely picture of one of our overwintering and longest lived hibernating butterflies, the Mourning Cloak<\/strong>,\u00a0from Marie O’Shaughnessy.<\/p>\n

The butterfly inspired one of Annie\u2019s delightful poems:<\/p>\n

A Mourning Cloak<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n

A lovely April Mourning Cloak
\nI see come flutter by
\nawakened by the springtime sun,
\nthis darkened butterfly.
\nAll winter did it hibernate
\namidst the cold and frost
\nbut warmed up by the dream of spring
\nits precious life not lost.
\nNow it can fly and find a mate
\nand life will carry on
\nthrough those who follow from its seed
\nlong after it is gone.
\nA lovely lace-trimmed Mourning Cloak
\nsuch beauty does it give,
\nwhile, in this moment telling me,
\nI have this life to live…<\/em>Annie Pang<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy<\/p>\n

Aziza Cooper writes: Today (April 4) at Gore Park in Brentwood Bay, a European Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis<\/em>), an introduced species, grabbed a Mourning Cloak<\/strong> as it was landing on a Garry Oak trunk. The butterfly was struggling, and my walking companion darted forward and bent a small tree towards the pair. The lizard was frightened by the moving branches and dropped the butterfly. The butterfly flew away, probably leaving a chunk of its wing behind.<\/p>\n

There are many more Wall Lizards today than I’ve seen there in former years, and they are in many more locations. Today’s attack seems to indicate that they might be having a negative effect on the native species.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nEuropean Wall Lizard with Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa <\/em>(Lep.: Nymphalidae)
\nAziza Cooper<\/p>\n

Aziza continues: <\/em>Today (April 4) at Gore Park I also saw a comma <\/strong>species flying by. Yesterday I saw a Mourning Cloak<\/strong> at Mt. Tolmie summit.<\/p>\n

2014 April 3<\/strong>
\nVal George reports a Western Spring Azure <\/strong>from Oak Bay on March 29.<\/p>\n

Bill Katz photographed a pug and a wave in Haro Woods on March 30.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>
\nEupithecia ravocostaliata <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nVenusia obsoleta\/pearsalli <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Bill Katz<\/p>\n

On April 1, Jeremy photographed a Lithophane pertorrida<\/em><\/strong> at his Saanichton home.
\nOn April 1, Jeremy photographed a Lithophane pertorrida <\/em><\/strong>at his Saanich home.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em><\/strong>
\nLithophane pertorrida <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nLithophane pertorrida <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n

Some butterflies are starting to put in an appearance. Aziza Cooper writes: Today (April 1) Moralea and I saw many butterflies at Camas Hill, including 5 Green Commas<\/strong>, 2 Moss’ Elfin, 1 Spring Azure , 1 Sara Orangetip and 3 Mourning Cloaks.\u00a0 <\/strong>Photos included: Elfin, Green Comma<\/strong> sitting on my hat, and a large moth<\/strong> on a cliff at Camas Hill. I also had a California Tortoiseshell<\/strong> fly by on the Goose Trail near Lindholm Road, and saw\u00a0four Mourning Cloaks<\/strong> in three locations.<\/p>\n

Jeremy Tatum comments: The moths Triphosa haesitata <\/em>(American Tissue Moth) and Coryphista meadii <\/em>(Barberry Geometer) are highly variable and extreme examples of the species can be confused. I am pretty sure that Aziza\u2019s moth is Coryphista meadii<\/em><\/strong>, and am so labelling it, but I\u2019m willing to be challenged on this!<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nGreen Comma Polygonia faunus <\/em>(Lep.:Nymphalidae) Moralea Milne<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMoss\u2019s Elfin Incisalia mossii <\/em>(Lep.: Lycaenidae) Aziza Cooper<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCoryphista meadii <\/em>(Lep.:Geometridae) Aziza Cooper<\/p>\n

Ken Vaughan, too, sends photos of a butterfly on April 1, as well as two flies and a spider. Thanks to Robb Bennett for identifying the spider and Claudia Copley for identifying the bee fly.<\/p>\n

Milbert\u2019s Tortoiseshell Aglais milberti <\/em>(Lep.: Nymphalidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Milbert\u2019s Tortoiseshell Aglais milberti <\/em>(Lep.: Nymphalidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hover fly (Dip.: Syrphidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Bee fly Bombylius major<\/em> (Dip.: Bombyliidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 Robb Bennett writes, of Ken\u2019s spider below:\u00a0 If someone was holding a gun to my head and demanding an identification on pain of death, I would say it is a female Pardosa<\/em><\/strong> vancouveri<\/strong><\/em>,\u00a0 especially if the image was made locally.\u00a0 P. vancouveri<\/em> is a Pacific Northwest endemic but, in spite of rather limited range, it is hugely abundant here — the most common small, dark lycosid seen in open areas.\u00a0 And they are certainly very active. Appearance of numbers of subadult and adult\u00a0 Pardosa<\/em>s is a sure sign of spring…<\/p>\n

Well, I don\u2019t think we need hold a gun to Robb\u2019s head.\u00a0 His expertise is good enough for us!<\/p>\n

\"\"Wolf spider Pardosa vancouveri <\/em>(Ara.:Lycosidae) Ken Vaughan<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 But there are yet more moths to show, including our first prominent of the season, a Gluphisia severa <\/em><\/strong>\u00a0– one of two at Jeremy Gatten\u2019s house in Central Saanich on April 1.<\/p>\n

\"\"Gluphisia severa <\/em>(Lep.:Notodontidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Cerastis enigmatica <\/em>(Lep.: Noctuidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Egira rubrica <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Egira simplex <\/em>(Lep.:Noctuidae) Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Pleromelloida\u00a0conserta<\/em>\u00a0(Lep.:Noctuidae)\u00a0 Jeremy Gatten<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hypena californica <\/em>(Lep.: Erebidae – Hypeninae) Jeremy Tatum<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

2014 May 29 Jeremy Tatum writes: Apologies for a few days\u2019 delay – I have been laid low by some sort of ailment, which kept me in bed or at least in apartment for a few days. Back in business now. Marie O\u2019Shaughnessy writes: First time I have ever seen a Red Admiral at Government […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":873,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-invertebrate-alert"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=910"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/910\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3912,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/910\/revisions\/3912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicnhs.bc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}