Small Yellow Orb Weaver

The Six-spotted Orb Weaver (Araniella displicata) is a small spider, about a quarter of an inch (5mm) long. This individual's web spanned only the width of the leaf seen in the third photo.

Zebra Caddisfly (Macrostemum zebratum)

Caddisflies are generally a drab brown or black, the Zebra Caddis fly is an exception. The aquatic larvae make a shell using silk and debris to camouflage and protect their vulnerable soft bodies.

Now you see it, now you don't ...

Philodromus sp. ... this agile spider is a member of the family Philodromidae, the Running Crab Spiders. This arachnid can certainly can move with alacrity but when it stops it virtually disappears into the background of the bark it resembles. As well as acting as a defense against predation, the spider's speed and camouflage serve it well in its role as a predator, as this species actively hunts for its quarry rather than building a web.

Two major body sections and eight legs but not a spider, this is an immature Harvestman or "Daddy Longlegs". This arachnid also relies on camouflage for its survival.

Although the markings and colors are indistinct, I think the insect in the next photo is likely a Mosaic Darner (Aeshna sp.). Despite its size it's difficult to see against the background of bark. This is the teneral form of the dragonfly, it just emerged from its watery home and shed its larval skin overnight. The wings look like gossamer and the exoskeleton is still soft but by tonight they will harden and the insect will assume its role in nature as a hunter of the air.

Catocala or Underwing Moths are common insects but the pattern and color of their forewings makes these large moths difficult to see. A little of the brightly colored hindwings are visible ... depending on the species these wings have red, pink, yellow or white bands.

Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)

Also aptly named the Robin Moth, this member of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths, is our largest local moth. The wingspan of this individual is well in excess of five inches.

The picture below will give an idea of the size of these beautiful insects. Maple is the preferred food of the larvae. Adult Cecropia Moths lack functional mouth parts and only live for a week to ten days ... their sole purpose is to find a mate and lay eggs.

Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)

The larvae of these small butterflies (wingspan about 25 mm) feed on vetches. This is a male, the dorsal side of the wings is a dull grayish blue in the females.

The Next Generation

These shallow underwater depressions in the sand are sunfish nests. The second photo shows the parent dutifully guarding and aerating the eggs.

Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) stand watch over their young.

Spiderlings (Argiope?) on a shed wall in the garden.

This Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) fledgeling is capable of foraging for itself but is still watched over and fed by its parents. They didn't seem distressed when I approached to take this photo.

Dragonflies of Early Summer

The Chalk-fronted Corporal (Ladona julia) is a common local skimmer, generally seen from June on throughout the balance of the summer. Both males and females have the "corporal stripes" on the thorax, the pruinescence or bloom on the abdomen indicates this is a male. The brown abdomen with the dark stripe down the middle suggest this male is a juvenile; the abdomen will darken as the dragonfly ages.

The Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta) is another ubiquitous skimmer. Below is a picture of the aptly named male ...

a female ...

and a mating pair.