Nature Moncton Nature News: August 18 2023

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

August 18, 2023

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Edited by Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Proofreading courtesy of Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca

** Gordon Rattray joined/led other interested hikers on the Riverview Marsh trail on Wednesday evening and sends a few plant pictures and a sunset as the group was leaving the marsh. Gordon sends photos of the Common Dodder, Pennsylvania Smartweed, Common Milkweed seed pods, and the invasive grass Phragmites. The Phragmites Grass invasion of the marsh is alarming compared to 2 years ago. Gordon reports that the group was disappointed in not seeing any signs of Monarch Butterflies in the Common Milkweed patch.

(Editor’s note: take note of the interesting vining orangish plant, Common Dodder, in Gordon’s photos. This plant is parasitic on other plants and as can be seen in the photo, some of the plants it is attached to are dying. It is not normal for most parasitic plants to kill their host; however, I am assuming the vining method of dodder will easily allow it to find its way to another host.)

**Fred Dube got some excellent moth photos of the Black-rimmed Prominent Moth and the Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy moth).

(Editor’s note: the Spongy Moth larval caterpillar is a potential serious defoliator of shrubs and trees. Fred’s photo is of a male, as the female is flightless. The huge, broadly bipectinate antennae are a helpful identification feature. They are abundant at the moment, day-flying in a very erratic manner.)

Fred also got a photo of a katydid (in the grasshopper family) as well as a Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar.

(Editor’s note: as mentioned before, the hairs (setae) of this caterpillar can produce significant skin rashes in sensitive individuals.)

**Lisa Morris has been clearly hearing chewing/squishy sounds coming from Pine trees that were severely damaged by Hurricane Fiona. Lisa was able to get excellent photos of the Northeastern Pine Sawyer Beetle.

This large beetle specializes in dead/dying Pine trees.

Lisa also photographed a Dogbane Leaf Beetle. The favoured habitat of this brilliant ‘shiny’ beetle is the Spreading Dogbane plant.

**Aldo Dorio got a nice photo of a Painted Lady Butterfly, one of which shows both front and hind views of the wing pattern.

Aldo also is noting Sanderlings at Hay Island.

**Brian Stone and Nelson Poirier were on a mission to the Burton area on Thursday and, after a recommendation from Louise Nichols, paid a visit to the Deer Park Trail system in Oromocto.

The Flora and fauna on this trail system, part of which follows the Oromocto River was a much-appreciated experience with many highlights and many photos, which will be shared in upcoming editions.

One highlight of the photos available for today was seeing and hearing the Great Crested Flycatcher, which we don’t often get to see in southeastern New Brunswick.

Nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton