IUCN Conservation Status: Data Deficient This little purple spotted sea goddess measures in at about an inch This wild creature is a species of nudibranch called a “purple spotted sea goddess”. These ornate sea slugs are rarely seen by divers. This little guy measures in at about an inch. This particular species of nudibranch is only known to […]
Crevice Kelpfish
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern In my time exploring the kelp forests of the Channel Islands, I saw sharks, snails, seals, nudibranchs, and many fish species. This interesting fish is appropriately named the “crevice kelpfish”. I took this photograph in the Channel Islands, amongst the kelp forests it is named for. Where are the Channel Islands? The Channel […]
Garibaldi
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Not only are the kelp forests protection for the garibaldi, they are also a source of food. This fish is named after a 19th century Italian leader, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Why? Garibaldi took up a fashion for wearing orange/red shirts. Later this orange/red shirt became his army’s uniform. This vibrant colored fish was photographed at […]
Fakahatchee Strand
Fakahatchee Strand Fakahatchee Strand is known for its incredible biodiversity Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a swamp forest in southern Florida. The park runs north to south and the dimensions are roughly 20 miles long by 5 miles wide. It is a part of the Everglades hydrologic system. These waters eventually drain to the Ten Thousand Islands, […]
Redspotted Hawkfish
Redspotted Hawkfish – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern These fish can be very shy This is the only species of hawkfish we have in the Atlantic basin! This 2”-3” reef dwelling fish was common to see where I used to live, in the Florida Keys. However, this fish was also a challenging one to get a photo […]
Orb Weaver
Orb Weaver – IUCN Conservations Status: Varies The orb weaver bounced around in the breeze I love macro photography, but to do macro photography, the photographer must get close to their subject, ideally just a few inches from the front of the lens. When your subject is static and safe, like say a flower, no big […]
Paper Wasp
Paper Wasp – IUCN Conservations Status: Insufficient Data Wasps can sting repeatedly This fascinating pollinator is a paper wasp. These wild looking wasps measure in at about an inch. Their body coloration ranges and may include yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. This paper wasp even appears to have green eyes! Bee Why is it called a paper wasp? These […]
Eastern Bumblebee
Common Eastern Bumblebee – IUCN Conservations Status: Least Concern As they fly from flower to flower, the bumblebee collects pollen between the its hairs This might be the most common bee to see if you are an east coaster. The common eastern bumblebee is found across the eastern US, southern Canada, and the Great Plains. Their fuzzy […]
Winged Ant on a Daisy
Oxeye Daisy – IUCN Conservations Status: Insufficient Data Winged ants have elbowed antennae When you think of pollinators, a winged ant probably isn’t what comes to mind. However, zoom in on this winged ant and you will see its body is covered in pollen. You may also be asking what’s the difference between a winged ant and […]
Silver Lake New Hampshire
Chain Pickerel – IUCN Conservations Status: Least Concern This isn’t the first “Silver Lake” to be showcased on WBP This beautiful sunrise comes from Silver Lake in New Hampshire. Silver Lake is a 969-acre body of water. If you are looking at the state of New Hampshire, Silver Lake would be midway up the state, and […]