Category Archives: bugs

Nectar robbers

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Alistair

  Flowers produce nectar for one reason: to entice insects to brush against their reproductive organs and, in doing so, to transfer pollen from one flower to the next. To accomplish this, flowers are structured such that the insect must … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 3 Comments

Name that bug

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Alistair

  An unexpected pleasure this morning was an item on the CBC’s radio programme, Daybreak South. It was about bugs (well, arthropods, actually). Listeners had sent in pictures which were then posted and now entomologist, Hugh Philip, was naming and … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | Comments Off on Name that bug

Pond skater friends

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Alistair

  A year ago, I took pictures while a pond skater went in for the kill. Now, I have watched two of them—er—make friends. That may well cover the gamut of pond-skater behaviour: food and sex. “Will you be my friend?” … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | Comments Off on Pond skater friends

White butt lives

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Alistair

  The story of the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) is a sad one. At one time this bee was the familiar accompaniment to spring and summertime flowers throughout the western cordillera. Common and widespread, its range extended across Alaska and … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 4 Comments

Trilliums & ants

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Alistair

  The moist forest floor was sprinkled with trilliums. The trillium is a springtime flower based on three: three leaves, three sepals, three petals. It enriches an early seasonal walk through the woods. Not far from the trilliums was a vigorous … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, wildflowers | 8 Comments

Fool the birds

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Alistair

  Many birds feast on insects. Some of these insects can fight back, some cannot. If you are one of those tasty, but defenceless insects, what better tactic could you develop than to make the bird think you were actually a well … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs | Comments Off on Fool the birds

Bombylius

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Alistair

  The bombylius looks like something that might be created by a child’s toy maker: fuzzy, large eyes, spindly legs. Yet, it is real and is visiting everyone’s yard right now—albeit a rather small object to descry. Bombylius is a … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 5 Comments

Fly low

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Alistair

  For days now I have been watching blossoms open on a flowering bush in the hope of seeing flies and bees feasting at them. Unfortunately, the wind during the day has been sufficiently strong that insects found it difficult … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, weather | 2 Comments

Jaunt with Janice

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Alistair

  This is about a butterfly-hunting expedition that took place last June. November may seen like an odd time to be writing about butterflies. Yet, it is not uncommon for those who are busy with field work during the warmer … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 7 Comments

Flowers and flies

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Alistair

  One might have thought that any self-respecting insect would have closed down shop for the year, but this is not the case. Yesterday as I wandered around my yard, I saw a dragonfly (a darner), a bumble bee (Bombus … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs | 1 Comment