Status in Nova Scotia
Difficult to find, but certainly present.
Flight PeriodMid-June to early September.
HabitatWet, shrubby habitats, typically near alders.
Larval FoodplantsLarva feeds on wooly aphids, on alder (
Alnus spp.).
Similar Species in Nova ScotiaNone.
NotesThis species is unique in that it is the only butterfly in North America with a carnivorous larva. The adults also partially depend on the prey species- they can be found sipping the sugary exudate given off by woolly aphids.
Further Reading
Harvester - Burnside, NS - 2008-08-23
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2008-08-23
Photo © Peter Payzant
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Harvester - Burnside, NS - 2008-08-23
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2008-08-23
Photo © Peter Payzant
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Harvester - Wooly alder aphids (Harvester prey) - Burnside, NS - 2008-08-23
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2008-08-23
Photo © Peter Payzant
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Harvester - Apple River, NS - 2009-08-03
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2009-08-03
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
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Harvester - Apple River, NS - 2009-08-03
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2009-08-03
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
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Harvester - Roaches Pond Park, NS - 2013-07-20
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2013-07-20
Photo © Phil Schappert
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Harvester - Roaches Pond Park, NS - 2013-07-20
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2013-07-20
Photo © Phil Schappert
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Harvester - Female with woolly aphids - Roaches Pond Park, NS - 2013-08-31
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2013-08-31
Photo © Phil Schappert
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Harvester - Roaches Pond Park, NS - 2013-09-04
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2013-09-04
Photo © Phil Schappert
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Harvester - Roaches Pond Park, NS - 2013-09-05
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2013-09-05
Photo © Phil Schappert
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