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Index of Subjects Thanks Patricia and also Dave W. for correcting my 'ironweed' mis-identification. From flowers figured on-line, the plant must indeed be common knapweed, Centaurea nigra, whether or not it is also called by some 'ironweed', which would be confusing because that is a name normally reserved for a different plant genus, some species of which superficially resemble common knapweed. Apparently the latter is a copious nectar producer which is why so many insects are attracted to the flowers. Regarding the ID of the numerous small bumblebees (thanks Angus, for suggestions), I should have known better than to come up with a half-cock description. I had a camera with me and also could easily have netted a couple for closer examination. I'll try to stop by again soon to clarify this, which sounds un-resolvable without better info. Regarding the comment about availability of the insect's length, Angus, at least when you post an insect image to BugGuide you are asked to fill out a box estimating that, and this (usually? always?) is displayed just underneath the photo there. Steve (Hfx) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quoting "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers@ns.sympatico.ca>: > Steve, > > I don't know Vernonia here. Your description of "small > purple thistle-like heads" sounds to me like Centaurea nigra, aka > Common Knapweed. ( It looks as though it should be prickly, but > isn't.) It's also apparently known as Ironweed > (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedouglascampbellshow/4291536452/) > though I've never heard it called that here. It is in the same > genus as the garden flower known as Batchelor Buttons. I've always > known that knapweed was attractive to insects, especially > butterflies. I think on the Payzants' field trips we always > expected to find fritillaries on the knapweed. > > Cheers, > > Patricia L. Chalmers > Halifax > > > At 06:10 PM 18/08/2013, you wrote: >> Yesterday we visited Mt Uniacke House grounds again ... > >> This species was less interested in goldenrod (everywhere, but some >> flowers now are fading) than in what my daughter says is 'ironweed', >> which I initially assumed would be an alternative name for Angus's >> 'jewelweed', but not so. Jewelweed is apparently Impatiens spp, with >> pretty pink flowers, while the very abundant stuff that these bees >> were visiting does look like the ironweed found on-line, with small >> purple thistle-like heads, Vernonia spp., of a different family. >> >> ... >> >> Steve (Halifax)
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