Friends of Murphys Point Park

This week’s #SpeciesOfTheWeek is the European Frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae).  European Frog-bit is an aquatic plant native to the old world (Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa). It was brought from Europe to the Experimental Farm in Ottawa in 1932, intending to be used in ornamental ponds. Unfortunately, it escaped and by 1939 was already present in the Rideau Canal. It is now found throughout the Ottawa and Rideau river systems, the Great Lakes, Kawartha Lakes and some American states. European Frog-bit grows rapidly in mats that cover the surface of the water. In the fall it dies and, as it decomposes, it can lead to anoxia (lack of oxygen) in the water. European Frog-bit also reduces the biodiversity of water bodies by crowding native species which hinders their ability to access sunlight and also has a tendency to clog waterways and drainage systems. To counter the spread of European Frog-bit, boaters should reduce their speed when coming near areas infested with European Frog-bit so that the boat’s wake does not dislodge the plant and spread it to new areas. Additionally, boaters should remove any plant that adheres to their boat when moving between bodies of water. At Murphys Point, European Frog-bit has been spotted by the backcountry camping sites on Big Rideau Lake.

Our #SpeciesOfTheWeek is the Northern Ribbon Snake. Often found near marshes, lakes, and ponds, the Northern Ribbon Snake is frequently spotted here at Murphys Point near the Park Store on the shores of Loon Lake. It makes sense that we should find Ribbon Snakes along the water’s edge in this particular spot, since their scientific name (Thamnophis) is derived from the Greek thamnos (shrub or bush) and ophis (snake), and there are plenty of shrubs in this area including Juniper Bushes. Sometimes mistaken for various species of Garter Snakes, the Northern Ribbon Snake is distinguishable by its slender build, its whitish crescent-shaped markings in front of large eyes, and the ‘clean’ look of its striping — colourations that look as though they had been painted onto the snake. This individual was sighted behind the Park Store at Murphys Point.

This week’s #SpeciesOfTheWeek is the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos). Commonly found throughout the park, they get their name from a dark marginal patch containing light crescents on their hindwing. Pearl Crescents are commonly mistaken for Northern Crescents, as they were considered the same species until quite recently. Pearl Crescents do, however, have more black markings on their hindwings in comparison to Northern Crescents, which have more orange. A fun fact about the Pearl Crescent is that three different generations of this butterfly emerge every year in Ontario! This Pearl Crescent was spotted near the McParlan House, so be sure to keep an eye out when hiking along Hogg Bay!