INVERTEBRATE ALERT
This blog provides an informal forum for terrestrial invertebrate watchers to post recent sightings of interesting observations in the southern Vancouver Island region. Please send your sightings by email to Jeremy Tatum (tatumjb352@gmail.com). Be sure to include your name, phone number, the species name (common or scientific) of the invertebrate you saw, location, date, and number of individuals. If you have a photograph you are willing to share, please send it along. Click on the title above for an index of past sightings.The index is updated most days.

March 11 afternoon

 

2021 March 11 afternoon

 

   Paige Erickson-McGee writes:  We saw this chrysalis in Metchosin on Eales Road on some Broom we were cutting down next to a nice forest.  Photographed by Sara Lax.   Jeremy Tatum writes:   Papilio rutulus or eurymedon – I can’t tell which.

 

 

Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus/eurymedon (Lep.: Papilionidae)  Sara Lax

 

 

   Ian Cooper writes:  I spotted the burrow entrance of what must be a very large Antrodiaetus pacificus Trapdoor Spider while scanning along the embankment with my bike light. It’s possible the resident spider retreated as I and my annoying light approached the site before I spotted the burrow. I was taken aback at how big the opening was. Although the spider wasn’t at its doorway or visible when I peered into its burrow, it must be relatively huge compared to the other resident trapdoor spiders in the vicinity I’m familiar with. The silk-lined burrow was clearly a well maintained ‘active’ residence which I was able to shine my light into. Very much looking forward to my next visit to the area in hopes of catching sight of this monster!  [So are we! – Jeremy T]

 

   Ian photographed a noctuid caterpillar feeding on grass at night.  It’s not the usual Noctua pronuba.  I wish I knew what it is, writes Jeremy Tatum!

 

Caterpillar (Lep.: Noctuidae)  Ian Cooper