surrey-bc_biodiversity's Journal

Join the Invasive Species Council of BC  on September 17th and 18th (2022) for our first annual aquatic Bioblitz! Report native and invasive flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species in freshwater (e.g., lakes, ponds, wetlands, and streams) , riparian , or marine (e.g., oceans, reefs, and intertidal zones) environments. Freshwater ecosystems interact closely with riparian areas – the zones of lush, green, moisture-loving vegetation that surround lakes, streams, wetlands, and rivers. Both freshwater and marine ecosystems are critical habitats for native plants and animals, including threatened species. Community science observations in aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in our understanding of native biodiversity and tracking new infestations of invasive species.

Further informstion at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/wet-and-wild-bioblitz

From the Invasive Species Council of BC, emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Oregon. "As new sightings of this shiny green beetle rolled in across Eastern Canada and the US, experts warned it would only be a matter of time before the invasive Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) landed on the west coast. It seems that first detection has arrived, and with it brings concerns for its forests and urban greenspaces alike."

Note we have many metallic beetles here in BC, some like the similar looking Golden Buprestid Beetle (Buprestis aurulenta) are common in Surrey. Learn how to distinguish the ash borer from similar, more common and or endemic beetle species, and where to submit sightings. Further information: https://bcinvasives.ca/news/emerald-ash-borer-has-been-detected-on-the-west-coast-and-its-not-here-for-summer-camp/

This time of the year we see a lot of orbweaver spiders (often running into their webs face-first on the trail!). We have a number of species in the Lower Mainland, here is a great guide to help identify them if you are unable to see the dorsal (top) of the abdomen to look for identifying marks.

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/identifying-common-orbweavers-from-the-underside-wiki/275

thank you to @paolosol for sending this our way!