Eastern Tiger Swallowtail – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data The eastern tiger swallowtail has a unique wing extension on its hindwings This pretty pollinator is called an eastern tiger swallowtail. It is a common butterfly found throughout the Eastern United States, from spring through fall. Their range is as far south as Florida to as far north […]
Sky Pond Lake Trail Overall, the Sky Pond Lake Trail is a must-do for anyone visiting the Rocky Mountains The Sky Pond Lake Trail is a popular hiking trail located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The trail is approximately 8.5 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as […]
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle – Observations There were thousands of bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, and other insects moving about around us. This orange and black beetle is a goldenrod soldier beetle. I took this photo while on a short hike at Eagle Creek Park with Matt. We were hiking in a big open field that is […]
Eagle Creek Park They are known to have solitary nests, but they usually nest in social groups. I took this photo of an eastern carpenter bee on the same day that I took the photo of a goldenrod soldier beetle. Matt had been in Indianapolis visiting, and we went to Eagle Creek Park to take […]
Black Swallowtail – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern These voracious eaters would take down a three-foot-tall plant in its entirety in only a few short days! I took this photo as I was coming down from the summit of Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park. I took a lot of macro photos on this […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Texas Virgin’s Bower, Clematis – IUCN Conservation Status: Varies This was the most remote night of camping in my life Two of the photos that I took this month were from a trip to Big Bend National Park that I took with Matt, Nick, and a good friend Kenny in the fall of 2021. On […]
Cardinal Catchfly – IUCN Conservation Status: Varies I took this shot with a 1/500th shutter speed This is one of two photos from this month’s gallery that come from Big Bend National Park in Texas. This photo was taken on my first full day in the park. I was descending from the highest point in […]