An interesting looking species of ant...what big heads some of the individuals had! Guards, perhaps? E. O. Wilson would know ;)
A nice, BIG wolf spider. Probably a Carolina wolf.
Three Eastern narrow-mouthed toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis) were hanging out under here. This one was the most handsome one. Narrow-mouthed toads are such interesting little amphibians -- hard to get hold of though.
All the creatures were probably relieved when we put the cardboard back down.
It is only right to replace after you flip...after all, it's home to something.
5 comments:
Thank you for caring for all those creatures and replacing their cardboard home. So many folks would just stomp on the little creepy-crawlies, not realizing how much our ecosystem depends on them. They have their lives to live, same as you and I. Love that toad! I don't think we have that species up here in NE New York.
The narrow mouthed toad is quite an interesting looking amphibian, and one that I probably haven't seen a photo of since I last leafed through the pages of my Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, which has been a while, thanks for sharing.
Woodswalker,
We always try to tread lightly. It is as you say, they have their lives to live, too. This particular species of toad doesn't venture up your way so you'll just have to make your way down here to meet one in person!
Tom,
I remember the first narrow-mouthed I ever found. There were several calling in the yard after a heavy rain. Cupping my ears with my hands I stood outside in the wet grass and finally zeroed in on a toad. It was delightful!
Seeing all the variety you all have in the southern climes makes our northwoods seem nearly barren by comparison! It seems like the only thing we may have over you is the moose, and I have yet to see one of those!
Nice toad. We mostly have the common toad here, but hope springs eternal that some day I might run across a spadefoot (possible, but probability is low).
NatureGirl,
We do have a good bit of diversity here, but we don't have such interesting creatures as porcupines or moose or martens or fishers...plus you have a wonderful assortment of wildflowers!
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