2023 November 5

   There are still a few dragon/damselflies around.  Gordon Hart photographed these two dragonflies around the Pike Lake Substation ponds on November 4 – kindly identified for us by Dr Rob Cannings.  Rob tells us that Aeshna palmata, A. umbrosa, Sympetrum vicinum and perhaps Lestes congener are still possibilities for a few more days – so let’s keep a look-out for them. Are any butterflies ( e.g. Cabbage Whites) still possible?

Autumn (formerly “Yellow-legged”) Meadowhawk Sympetrum vicinum
(Odo.: Libellulidae)
Gordon Hart

Shadow Darner Aeshna umbrosa (Odo.: Aeshnidae)  Gordon Hart

2023 November 3

   Jeremy Tatum writes:  I saw my first Winter Moth Operophtera brumata of the season today, at the Swan Lake Nature House – out of reach of my camera.  The Juniper Carpet Thera juniperata  shown below was at my Saanich apartment building this morning.

Juniper Carpet Thera juniperata (Lep.: Geometridae)  Jeremy Tatum

2023 November 2

November Butterfly!

Kirsten Mills reports one Cabbage White on Begbie Avenue this afternoon, November 2.

2023 November 1

   Is a November butterfly possible?

Kirsten Mills reports one Cabbage White along North Dairy Road on October 31, 2023.

Jochen Möhr from Metchosin offes a picture of an old friend – he, she, it – has been sharing my office with me for months now.    Dr Robb Bennett writes: almost certainly Eratigena duellica, the European “giant house spider”. A female.

Eratigena duellica (Ara.: Agelenidae)   Jochen Möhr

2023 October 31

   Jeff Gaskin writes:    On October 30, Kirsten Mills reports three Cabbage Whites along Highway 1 from McKenzie Avenue to Colwood, and another Cabbage White along Finlayson Street.

Butterflies:  Is November possible?

Jochen Möhr sends a photograph of an Autumnal Moth from Metchosin, October 30.   Can Winter Moths be far behind?

Autumnal Moth Epirrita autumnata (Lep.: Geometridae)  Jochen Möhr