-
An Eye-catching Spider
An intriguing spider that creates a zigzag design through the center of its circular web, the Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia). Not only intriguing but also impressive in size. The male is smaller, but the female can measure 3 inches in total length. They capture and consume bees and butterflies, but also aphids, flies, grasshoppers,…
-
A Glimpse
A glimpse of things to come. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida). Some of them. I notice their leaves changing color in late June/early July. Most people don’t pick up on it simply because they’re not expecting it. It’s very subtle. I’ve noticed it for several years now and watch for it. Minute changes from pure green…
-
Caution: Horsenettle Is Poisonous
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) Horsenettle generally blooms during a period of 6 weeks, anytime from May to October. Those blooms can be white or pale purple, with a 5 pointed star shape. Deep yellow anthers, which are the male part of the flower that produces pollen, are easy to see at the center of the blossom.…
-
White Feather Tips
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) at the feeder. On rare occasions the camera’s shutter clicks at just the perfect moment. ________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!
-
Maximilian Sunflower
The Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani). It seems White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) eat nearly anything but they will at least think twice before chomping down on this plant which has leaves and stems that are densely covered in coarse hairs. It can be found in central and eastern North America, and grows from 3 to 10…
-
Yellow Stripes On Goldenrod
A Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae), enjoying its favorite meal of the pollen and nectar of Goldenrod (Solidago). Its length is about 3/4 in long. With its black coloring and yellow stripes it can easily be mistaken for a Yellowjacket or other wasp or hornet. The Locust Borer is a species of Longhorned Beetle. It is…
-
A Unicorn That Eats Leaves
Unicorn Caterpillar (Coelodasys unicornis) Caterpillars are amazing creatures that take on all sorts of shapes and colors. This one, of course, takes its name because of its unique shape. They’re not particular about what they eat, munching on the leaves of a variety of woody ornamental plants such as apple, cherry, and rose. The Unicorn…
-
Quite The Menu
Northern Pearly-eye (Enodia anthedon) with a wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches. These butterflies feed on fungi, carrion, dung, and sap from Willows, Poplars and Birches. ________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!
-
A Fungus
White Coral Jelly Fungus (Sebacina sparassoidea) A severe drought and no mushrooms. Finally it rains and there they are again. The White Coral Jelly Fungus grows in eastern North America, most often near dead Oak trees, though sometimes on or near other deciduous trees. These fruit bodies show up in late summer. Mushrooms fascinate me.…
-
Start Of School, Can Autumn Be On Its Way?
School has started here, and in some locations much earlier, that means autumn is thinking of making a showing. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) will soon be blooming, tempting bees, butterflies and the last of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. This butterfly, a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), has been tempted by the nectar of the Pineapple Sage and…