Insects of Alberta 1

I very rarely see this kind of butterfly. I like the wavy edges of the wings.

I'm sure that this Orb Weaver spider was only small, but this is the size I remember it as! At least! They build spiral, wheel-shaped webs.

Also called the White-faced Hornet. Actually, it is not a true hornet. They build almost round paper nests in trees, that are more easily seen once all the leaves have fallen.

There are 15 species of blue butterflies in Alberta. I'm not sure which one this is, especially as I can't see the underwing pattern. These tiny blue butterflies flit along close to the ground and it's always a joy to see them on my walks.

Found this attractive caterpillar at William's Coulee in the Porcupine Hills, south of Calgary. Thanks to Doug Macaulay of Peace River, I now have a name for it.

This time, no colourful flower.

These Seven-spotted Ladybugs were introduced from Europe. About 400 different types of Ladybug exist in North America.

These Stink Bugs were mating on a Gaillardia flower. I felt as if I was intruding, but I had never even seen a Stink Bug before. They are shield-shaped and are sometimes also called Shield Bugs. Stink Bugs can come in many colours and patterns but "mine" were very non-descript. These are not beetles, but True Bugs in the family Pentatomidae.

This insect is also called a White-faced Hornet.