Reef Manta Ray – IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable This is a Vulnerable species according to the IUCN I was incredibly lucky to have been able to take this photo. Jill and I were snorkeling off the coast of the island of Hawai’i. What was particularly interesting about this snorkel is that it was in the […]
Fraternal Potter Wasp – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data Once the nest is complete, they will collect beetle larvae, spiders, or caterpillars One day I decided to work from the deck that is right outside my bedroom. While I was sitting there, I noticed that a fraternal potter wasp was coming and going. It wasn’t […]
Mustard Yellow Polypore – IUCN Description: Insufficient Data It is easiest to identify this mushroom when it is growing I took this photo of a mustard yellow polypore mushroom while hiking at Eagle Creek Park in Indiana. I was letting Landon, my dog, guide me along the trail and allowing him to stop and sniff […]
Cape Neddick – Nubble Lighthouse The lighthouse is 41 feet tall There is nothing like the Maine coastline. This is a dynamic environment with large tidal exchanges. In fact, the high tides during certain lunar events can be almost eleven feet above the normal sea level. To help protect boaters in these treacherous waters, a lighthouse was built. Construction […]
Long-Spurred Meadow Katydid – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data This katydid gets its name from the shape of the male cerci This photo was taken just outside my house in Indiana. The bright green color of the katydid caught my attention, and I had to lean in to take a photo. It was a somewhat […]
Southeastern Five-Lined Skink – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern The scientific name for this animal is Plestiodon inexpectatus This photo is of a southeastern five-lined skink. They are common to the southeastern United States. I took this photo while in Siesta Key, Florida. The scientific name for this animal is Plestiodon inexpectatus. It was only […]
Great Blue Heron – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Great blue herons have a lethal weapon built into their head–their beak This majestic aviator is a great blue heron. With this month’s theme of “Zoomed In” you can get a good look at their decorative plumage. Great blue herons have a lethal weapon built into their head–their […]
Gold Dust Day Gecko – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern The gold dust day gecko is invasive in Hawai’i This photo was taken near Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawai’I in 2023. This colorful animal that you are looking at is a gold dust day gecko. Jill and I were heading back from […]
Dusky Birch Sawfly – iNaturalist The dusky birch sawfly has an interesting lifecycle This tiny green caterpillar looking creature is called a dusky birch sawfly. As the name suggests, the host plant this species prefers is the birch tree. It can be found throughout the United States, but is typically seen in the eastern United States. I took […]
American Bullfrog – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern They capture and consume unsuspecting lizards, snakes, rodents, crayfish, insects, snails, and worms This captivating eye belongs to an American bullfrog. Similar to other species, these are highly aquatic creatures. These frogs are native to eastern North America and are often seen near permanent water sources such as lake, […]