Leaf-Footed Bug

Leaf-Footed Bug Live

IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data The leaf-footed bug has five nymph instar stages This photo of a leaf-footed bug was taken while Jill and I were out for a hike in Shades State Park in Waveland, Indiana. Shades offers one of the most unique hikes in Indiana. We had started the hike on trail number […]

Definite Tussock Moth

Definite Tussock Moth Live

IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data Alpheus Spring Packard identified 500 new animal species I took this photo while out for a hike with Matt in New Hampshire. The day before we had been diving in Maine, and we had spent the night camping. Surprisingly, this was the only photo that I took that day, and […]

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Live

IUCN Conservation Status: Data Deficient It’s not until you get close to them that you realize their beautiful coloration and texture.  This wild looking creature is called a gypsy moth caterpillar. Along the length of its body there are five sets of blue dots, and six sets of red dots.  Along the side are orange dots. The yellow […]

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle Live

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 […]

Eastern Carpenter Bee

Eastern Carpenter Bee Live

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

Black Swallowtail Live

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

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

Eastern Bumblebee Live

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

Winged Ant on a Daisy Live

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 […]

Halloween Pennant Dragonfly

Halloween Pennant Dragonfly Live

Halloween Pennant Dragonfly – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern These dragonflies are only about 1.5 inches long! Let’s unpack this interesting name for this interesting creature. The primary body colors of orange and black make it easy to understand why it is called a “Halloween” dragonfly. The “Pennant” part of the name comes from this dragonfly perching […]

Subscribe To Our Monthly Newsletter.

Get our monthly gallery launch email!

New Gallery

Nature Fun Facts

Monthly Featured Non Profit

Merch Store Sales!