Flat Crep – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data Once a snag falls over, it’s called a log! This flat crep was spotted while out for a hike in Brown County State Park in Indiana. My wife and I were soaking in the moderate heat that was a nice respite from the upper 90-degree days we […]
Inland Wood Oats – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data Inland wood oats are also known as river oats Hiking along a trail on the Green Belt in Austin, Texas; I saw these whimsical oats dancing about in the sunlight along the trail. I was quite surprised to see these, as I had never seen any […]
Painted Turtle – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Painted turtles are the most widespread turtle in North America This painted turtle was quite the surprise. I was on a bike ride about a mile from home when I saw a round disc moving across the road. It was about six inches from my tire. I […]
Slosson’s Mason Wasp – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data We were hiking along the 2,500 foot long Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk when we came across this Slosson’s mason wasp This spectacular pollinator photo was taken when I was on a hike with Matt in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. This park sits right next […]
Checkered Melon Beetle – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data These types of beetles are known as skeletonizing leaf beetles or flea beetles Big Bend National Park is a magnificent desert landscape that includes the Chisos Mountains and border the Rio Grande. Within this park there are many species of pollinators. Some are endemic to the […]
Ambush Bugs – IUCN Conservation Status: Varies Ambush bugs will prey on creatures much larger than themselves including bees, butterflies, moths, and flies How does a creature get the name ambush bug? These stealthy bugs sit on flowers and wait for other creatures to get too close. This behavior isn’t unique, in fact we featured a predator […]
Great Spangled Fritillary – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern This great spangled fritillary was enjoying the many native flowers This photo was taken at Brown County State Park in southern Indiana. Jill and I had set up camp and were out for a hike on a hot summer day in July. This great spangled fritillary […]
Black and Yellow Mud Dauber – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data They affix these mud nests in areas that are kept dry. This photo comes from the Bangor City Forest in Maine. This easily accessible 600+ acre wildlife habitat is open to the public year-round. If you enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, there are nine miles […]
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 […]
Yellow Garden Spider – IUCN Conservation Status: Insufficient Data The yellow garden spider is a very common spider found throughout the contiguous United States, Hawaii, southern Canada, Mexico, and Central America. This yellow garden spider had built its nest in my parents’ backyard. I took this photo one morning in late August. Throughout my childhood […]