Other CRITTERS

In addition to bird and mammals, we’ve documented some of the other critters spotted in and around our garden. Below are a few highlights, but we record most of our observations on iNaturalist under the project ‘Oregarden’.

While you might find better photos on the internet, nearly all of these photos were taken by us in our garden. Only the few identified as *** PLACEHOLDER are public photos.

CLICK TO SEE ALL OBSERVATIONS

DRAGONFLIES & Damselflies

Odonata is my biggest naturalist passion - I just love them and we travel Oregon striving to photograph as many species as we can. To date, we’ve photographed 14 species of odonates in our garden, a few featured below. I have a special iNaturalist project for our all our odonate observations across Oregon, and more photography in the Odonata Gallery.

Bumble Bees

From what I’ve researched, there are roughly 30 species of bumble bees native to Western North America, 20 of which are present in the Willamette Valley area of Oregon where we live. I’m thrilled to have taken photos of at least 7 distinct species in our garden so far! Bumble bees are a favorite of mine - large, fuzzy, easy to hear and spot, and they just seem so joyful.

*** Yellow-faced Bumble Bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) — Yellow-Faced Bumble Bee *(Bombus vosnesenskii)*

*** Brown-belted Bumble (BeeBombus griseocollis) — Brown-belted Bumble Bee *(Bombus griseocollis)*

Black-tailed Bumble Bee *(Bombus melanopygus)*

*** Yellow Head Bumble Bee (Bombus flavifrons) — Yellow-Fronted Bumble Bee *(Bombus flavifrons)*

*** Sitka Bumble Bee (Bombus sitkensis) — Sitka Bumble Bee *(Bombus sitkensis)*

*** Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus) — Fuzzy-Horned Bumble Bee *(Bombus mixtus)*

California Bumble Bee *(Bombus californicus)*

Other Bees

The world of bees is very complex. It isn’t fair to group so many into a single category of ‘other bees’, but I just haven’t identified enough to break it out yet. Hopefully one day!

*** Western Honey Bee — Western Honey Bee

Wasps

Wasps are important pollinators, though often not as efficient as bees. Their defense capabilities tend to generate fear in people, but many species do serve a purpose in the ecosystem and should be respected.

*** European Paper Wasp (non-agressive, good pest control) — European Paper Wasp (*non-agressive, good pest control)*

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (peaceful) — Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (*peaceful)* *** PLACEHOLDER

Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp (*peaceful)*

FLIES

I find these guys more challenging to photograph than bees! There is much to learn… like did you know there is a whole group of flies who mimic bees and wasps? I took a photo of one below that anyone would bet was a bumble bee until you get a hard look at the eyes. Fascinating!

*** Complex Volucella bombylans (large hoverfly species and bumblebee mimic) — Complex Volucella bombylans (large hoverfly species and bumblebee mimic)

*** Black-margined Flower Fly — Black-margined Flower Fly

*** Rodent Bot Fly (predatory species that attacks rodents, including squirrels and chipmunks) — Rodent Bot Fly *(predatory species that attacks rodents, including squirrels and chipmunks)*

Spiders

Oregon has at least 500 species of spiders, but I haven’t seen nearly that many in our garden. Spiders are beneficial predators and serve a significant role in keeping populations of many insect pests in check. They are also fascinating and use various tactics to capture prey.

*** Long-legged Sac Spider — Long-legged Sac Spider

Gastropods

I have an affinity for slugs. I find them cute, inquisitive and a reminder to take things slow and enjoy the journey. Did you know their slime is actually a liquid crystal? A substance between solid and liquid with remarkable properties. Slugs are also really easy to photograph. :)

Reptiles & Amphibians

Hands down my favorite group of critters. The only thing wrong with the reptiles and amphibians in our garden is that we don’t have enough of them. We’ve been thinking of ways to modify our garden habitats to encourage them to call Oregarden home.

Beetles

Beetles are often overlooked as pollinators. But I’ve learned beetles were actually the first insects to begin pollination, about 200 million years ago and remain essential pollinators to this day. I also find they have some of the most striking colors and patterns.

Western Polished Lady Beetle *(native!)*

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle *** PLACEHOLDER

Butterflies & Moths

Although not as efficient pollinators as bees, butterflies are able to see the color red. Since bees cannot see red flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds play an important role in pollinating these plants. And when the sun goes down, moths and bats take over the night shift for pollination. It has been found that moths visit a greater variety of plant species than bees and are vital in pollination diversity.