As you can see, they are getting bigger -- must be munching out on their own siblings. It's a bug-eat-bug world out there!
5.19.2005
Home Bodies
Remember the little fire-fannied, early instar wheelbugs I posted about a while back? I got curious as to whether any of the little ones were still near the egg-mass so I stopped by for a look. There were about 15 or so of them still hanging around.
As you can see, they are getting bigger -- must be munching out on their own siblings. It's a bug-eat-bug world out there!
As you can see, they are getting bigger -- must be munching out on their own siblings. It's a bug-eat-bug world out there!
5.18.2005
Lizard Love
Yesterday afternoon, as I was walking past one of our out-buildings, I heard quite a ruckus. My initial thought was that there was an opossum rambling about in the shed. My subsequent thought was that it might be a hunting dog that has been roaming around for the past 5 months. She has eluded all attempts at catching her thus far. In the hopes that it was the dog, I crept toward the building, determined to block her in and then call her owner.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered the source of all that noise was a trio of Southeastern Five-lined Skinks (Eumeces inexpectatus) trapped in an old metal pail. Seems I had happened upon a sort of lizard soap opera -- a love triangle, if you will.
How the trio managed to get into the pail is a mystery, but it was apparent that they couldn't get out. Since I didn't know how long they had been trapped, I immediately got them some water. All three were quite thirsty. The female, pictured below, parked herself in the water to drink.
One of the male skinks was a bit battered. He was missing quite a few of his posterior dorsal scales as well as the last inch or so of his tail. You can see the severed tail segment there by his left hind leg.
The other male looked to be in better shape. He wasn't missing as many scales and his tail was intact.
So which male was the successful suitor? My money is on the battered one. I think the reason he was so chewed up is because he was, uh, occupied by his attentions to the female and thus too busy to bother fighting back. Guess we'll never know for sure though.
After confirming our ID and taking some pictures, we released all three skinks and turned the pail upside-down to prevent future entrapment. I may poke around the out-building in the coming weeks to see if I can find the female and her eggs. I'd like to think that there will be some offspring to show for all that trauma of being stuck in the pail.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered the source of all that noise was a trio of Southeastern Five-lined Skinks (Eumeces inexpectatus) trapped in an old metal pail. Seems I had happened upon a sort of lizard soap opera -- a love triangle, if you will.
How the trio managed to get into the pail is a mystery, but it was apparent that they couldn't get out. Since I didn't know how long they had been trapped, I immediately got them some water. All three were quite thirsty. The female, pictured below, parked herself in the water to drink.
One of the male skinks was a bit battered. He was missing quite a few of his posterior dorsal scales as well as the last inch or so of his tail. You can see the severed tail segment there by his left hind leg.
The other male looked to be in better shape. He wasn't missing as many scales and his tail was intact.
So which male was the successful suitor? My money is on the battered one. I think the reason he was so chewed up is because he was, uh, occupied by his attentions to the female and thus too busy to bother fighting back. Guess we'll never know for sure though.
After confirming our ID and taking some pictures, we released all three skinks and turned the pail upside-down to prevent future entrapment. I may poke around the out-building in the coming weeks to see if I can find the female and her eggs. I'd like to think that there will be some offspring to show for all that trauma of being stuck in the pail.
5.16.2005
Luna moth (Actias luna)
It was a treat to find this intact luna moth. Usually, I find only the wings - apparently these moths are quite tasty to various nocturnal predators - or well worn moths that are tattered and tired. This one has one small tear in its right forewing, but aside from that it is in perfect shape.
Judging by the large, feathered antennae, I am inclined to believe this one is a male.
It was a treat to find this intact luna moth. Usually, I find only the wings - apparently these moths are quite tasty to various nocturnal predators - or well worn moths that are tattered and tired. This one has one small tear in its right forewing, but aside from that it is in perfect shape.
Judging by the large, feathered antennae, I am inclined to believe this one is a male.
A Very Fine Frog Indeed
My husband presented a program on frogs on Saturday night. He had everything from itty bitty cricket frogs...
...to great big bullfrogs.
The bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, is our largest frog. Measured from tip of snout to base of, uh, tail, this species ranges in size from 3.5 to 8 inches (85 to 200 mm).
When a frog feels threatened, it will puff up its body. Pick up a toad sometime and notice how fat it gets (and don't worry if it wets on you, you won't get warts).
My, what big feet this frog has.
I think frogs and toads have the most beautiful eyes.
One last shot, a big smile for the camera, and we thanked the frog and let it go.
It wasted no time in returning to its home in the culvert by the office!
...to great big bullfrogs.
The bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, is our largest frog. Measured from tip of snout to base of, uh, tail, this species ranges in size from 3.5 to 8 inches (85 to 200 mm).
When a frog feels threatened, it will puff up its body. Pick up a toad sometime and notice how fat it gets (and don't worry if it wets on you, you won't get warts).
My, what big feet this frog has.
I think frogs and toads have the most beautiful eyes.
One last shot, a big smile for the camera, and we thanked the frog and let it go.
It wasted no time in returning to its home in the culvert by the office!
5.14.2005
Must Be Home, 'Cause There's a Snake in that Tree
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
I am simply too tired to write anything about this snake other than to tell you it is an odd looking black racer that has camped out in a dead tree in our front yard.
Perhaps when I have recouperated from the drive back from Charlotte I will able to think and type coherently. Until then, hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
(Home...there's no place like it and I am very happy to be back.)
I am simply too tired to write anything about this snake other than to tell you it is an odd looking black racer that has camped out in a dead tree in our front yard.
Perhaps when I have recouperated from the drive back from Charlotte I will able to think and type coherently. Until then, hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
(Home...there's no place like it and I am very happy to be back.)
5.12.2005
Who Are You?
Sometimes, it can be a challenge to identify a toad to species. This ornate individual has us scratching our heads at the moment. He has some characteristics of an American Toad, some of a Southern Toad and some of a Fowler's Toad. It is a young toad and that tends to make things even more difficult.
Oh well, whether we know what species it is or not, I can still appreciate it for its beauty.
Oh well, whether we know what species it is or not, I can still appreciate it for its beauty.
5.11.2005
Tulip Tree, a.k.a. Tulip Poplar
It is rare that we get to see the flowers of Liriodendron tulipifera while they are fresh. The tulip poplar is a tall, straight tree and the flowers are usually well out of our reach. However, Hurricane Isabel blew through in 2003 and dropped quite a few trees without killing them so now we get to see what is normally in the canopy rather than the understory.
The ant in the picture is after the nectar produced by the flower and exuded along the orange surfaces. It is a sweet treat and we can be seen taking a taste now and then when we are lucky enough to find a fresh flower.
You can see the nectar if you look closely at the orange part of the flower above. It tastes like honey. Of course, I recommend inspecting the flower before tasting the nectar -- unless, of course, you don't mind eating an ant or two. :)
The ant in the picture is after the nectar produced by the flower and exuded along the orange surfaces. It is a sweet treat and we can be seen taking a taste now and then when we are lucky enough to find a fresh flower.
You can see the nectar if you look closely at the orange part of the flower above. It tastes like honey. Of course, I recommend inspecting the flower before tasting the nectar -- unless, of course, you don't mind eating an ant or two. :)
Woodland Shrub
Stewartia malacodendron -- Silky camellia. This shrub is truly beautiful when it is in full bloom. The flowers are almost palm-sized (well, at least the size of my palm) and the foliage is lush. It's an understory treasure.
5.09.2005
Lunchtime Encounter
Our dog discovered a couple of very young opossums today during our walk at lunchtime. She's a very well behaved dog, but the little 'possums were taking no chances. Each one scurried up the nearest sweetgum tree and got itself out of the reach of the big, black dog. They were quite agile little climbers.
This one thought it was hidden because it couldn't see me...
...but when I moved a couple of feet to the right - smile, little 'possum!
They're such cute little critters. I wonder if they are the offspring of the cropped-tailed opossum that was hanging around here this winter. Guess I'll never know unless I happen to see them all together before the little possums are completely on their own.
This one thought it was hidden because it couldn't see me...
...but when I moved a couple of feet to the right - smile, little 'possum!
They're such cute little critters. I wonder if they are the offspring of the cropped-tailed opossum that was hanging around here this winter. Guess I'll never know unless I happen to see them all together before the little possums are completely on their own.
5.06.2005
Variations on a Theme
It's off to Charlotte again today. But this time it is a quick trip and I am not going solo. We are heading back home tomorrow with family in tow, so I doubt I will have much time to blog in the coming week. I thought I would leave you with a few pictures featuring my favorite color, green.
Good thing frogs aren't sensitive to poison ivy or this green treefrog (Hyla cinerea) would be itchy in all the wrong places.
In this "before" picture, a Cabbage White caterpillar (Pieris rapae) seems to be enjoying the broccoli in our garden. While we don't use pesticides, we aren't adverse to pinching the heads off poachers! I'll spare you the "after" picture.
A Northern Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus aestivus) just hanging out in a high bush blueberry. I have never had a green snake even attempt to bite me, but every one I have ever caught has treated me to a foul-smelling spray from its anal vent.
Good thing frogs aren't sensitive to poison ivy or this green treefrog (Hyla cinerea) would be itchy in all the wrong places.
In this "before" picture, a Cabbage White caterpillar (Pieris rapae) seems to be enjoying the broccoli in our garden. While we don't use pesticides, we aren't adverse to pinching the heads off poachers! I'll spare you the "after" picture.
A Northern Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus aestivus) just hanging out in a high bush blueberry. I have never had a green snake even attempt to bite me, but every one I have ever caught has treated me to a foul-smelling spray from its anal vent.
5.05.2005
Could Just Be...
...that the newly emerged critters featured in the last post are going to grow up to beome adult wheelbugs (Arilus cristatus) like the ones in this picture, taken in late July of 2004.
These bugs ( a correct term in this case) have piercing mouth-parts that can inflict a painful wound that sometimes takes a long time to heal. But, despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they aren't particularly aggressive and you are only likely to be bitten if you seek them out and handle them.
Many thanks to Mr. Bloggerific Himself and thingfish23 for the links they provided in the comments section of the previous post.
These bugs ( a correct term in this case) have piercing mouth-parts that can inflict a painful wound that sometimes takes a long time to heal. But, despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they aren't particularly aggressive and you are only likely to be bitten if you seek them out and handle them.
Many thanks to Mr. Bloggerific Himself and thingfish23 for the links they provided in the comments section of the previous post.
5.04.2005
Patience Rewarded
Back in mid-January I spotted this insect eggmass on the trunk of a small sweetgum beside the trail behind the house.
Since I walk that trail nearly every day, I have kept a pretty constant eye on this little mystery mass, waiting to see what might emerge. When I was out of town all last week I fretted that the creatures within might hatch out while I was gone.
Luckily for me, they waited until I returned.
I have absolutely no idea what species they are. All I can tell so far is that they are true bugs and they are pretty darn cute. I'll try to post an ID when and if I figure out what they are -- and if any of you can tell me, I would appreciate the help!
Since I walk that trail nearly every day, I have kept a pretty constant eye on this little mystery mass, waiting to see what might emerge. When I was out of town all last week I fretted that the creatures within might hatch out while I was gone.
Luckily for me, they waited until I returned.
I have absolutely no idea what species they are. All I can tell so far is that they are true bugs and they are pretty darn cute. I'll try to post an ID when and if I figure out what they are -- and if any of you can tell me, I would appreciate the help!
A Frog of a "Normal" Color
For Wayne, over at Niches, an actual gray, gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Just wanted to show you that we do have some frogs that follow the rules and actually look like the ones you see in the field guides.
Just wanted to show you that we do have some frogs that follow the rules and actually look like the ones you see in the field guides.
5.03.2005
Someone's Watching
While working in my herb garden during lunch today, I got the feeling I was being watched...
...and it just so happens, I was being watched. A paper wasp has begun a nest amidst my rosemary. She watched every move I made as I puttered about trimming out dead branches. She was never aggressive toward me. She was cautious because she is the only one on the nest at present. All her energy is going into starting her brood. Once she has some offspring to back her up, she will be less forgiving of my trespassing. I will take down the nest before she expends anymore of her energy on it. Perhaps that way she can find a new location for her home and I will have continued access to my herb bed.
They are quite admirable little creatures, paper wasps. Since they are predatory and feed their young living insects, they aid in helping to control the insect populations around the garden.
Back To Work
It's back to cataloging species and maintaining bloom calendars for me. Mother Nature has been hard at work while I have been gone -- I am going to have to hustle to get caught up! Here are a few pictures to keep you occupied in the meantime...
Carolina Crane's-bill (Geranium carolinianum). This pretty little flower is a common "weed" in yards and fields.
Virginia Blue Flag (Iris virginica) is blooming along the edges of the pond. This iris likes to keep its feet wet.
A shocking spot of color amid the green understory, this flower goes by a couple of common names: Coral Honeysuckle and Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). It is a native plant and doesn't tend to be invasive like the non-native Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata or Anisostichus capreolata). I was afraid I had missed this one blooming!
Carolina Crane's-bill (Geranium carolinianum). This pretty little flower is a common "weed" in yards and fields.
Virginia Blue Flag (Iris virginica) is blooming along the edges of the pond. This iris likes to keep its feet wet.
A shocking spot of color amid the green understory, this flower goes by a couple of common names: Coral Honeysuckle and Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). It is a native plant and doesn't tend to be invasive like the non-native Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata or Anisostichus capreolata). I was afraid I had missed this one blooming!
Goodbye City Life...Hello Swamp!
My trip to Charlotte began, as it always does, with a sense of dread for the drive. The first two hours weren't so bad...two lane highway through the country. There were things to see and the traffic was minimal -- of course, I had to dodge the occasional tractor, but that was no problem. Then reality set in as I gathered speed on the ramp to merge into the craziness that is I-85. For the next three hours it was a game of holding my lane and hoping the NASCAR wannabe in the next lane held his. Do you get the idea that I don't like driving on the interstate? It wouldn't be so bad if you could count on other drivers to be reasonable, but something happens to some people when they get behind the wheel -- they become raving loonies with egos the size of their vehicles. I felt a great sense of relief when I pulled into the driveway of my sister-in-law's suburban home.
As cities go, Charlotte is not bad. There are still plenty of trees and even the occasional patch of honest-to-goodness woods. Traffic is horrific and the air quality is pitiful, but still, it is my hometown and I have a soft spot for it. The downtown area is nice and the restaurant selection is good -- I like Thai, Vietnamese, and Brazilian cuisines and Charlotte has all that and more. So, I guess, all in all, the trip wasn't bad.
Family occupied most of my time so I don't really have pictures to share. I did take one shot of a robin nesting in the chestnut tree in my sister-in-law's backyard. The bird appeared quite serene amid the bustle of the neighborhood. Whenever I needed a little break I would step outside and watch her as she patiently incubated her eggs.
When it was time to come home, I decided to take the "back" way. Instead of traveling the interstate to save an hour, I opted to save my sanity and take state and US highways back. The trip is longer, but only about 40 minutes of it is nerve-wracking (the outer belt loop around Raleigh and through Knightdale). During my trip back I saw wildflowers we don't have in the coastal plain, a bullfrog, hawks, a monster of a snapping turtle and many other delightful sights. I pulled into my lane tired, but with a list of wild things to share with my husband rather than a rant about crazy drivers. Yep, there's no place like home...
Somewhere on US 64.
As cities go, Charlotte is not bad. There are still plenty of trees and even the occasional patch of honest-to-goodness woods. Traffic is horrific and the air quality is pitiful, but still, it is my hometown and I have a soft spot for it. The downtown area is nice and the restaurant selection is good -- I like Thai, Vietnamese, and Brazilian cuisines and Charlotte has all that and more. So, I guess, all in all, the trip wasn't bad.
Family occupied most of my time so I don't really have pictures to share. I did take one shot of a robin nesting in the chestnut tree in my sister-in-law's backyard. The bird appeared quite serene amid the bustle of the neighborhood. Whenever I needed a little break I would step outside and watch her as she patiently incubated her eggs.
When it was time to come home, I decided to take the "back" way. Instead of traveling the interstate to save an hour, I opted to save my sanity and take state and US highways back. The trip is longer, but only about 40 minutes of it is nerve-wracking (the outer belt loop around Raleigh and through Knightdale). During my trip back I saw wildflowers we don't have in the coastal plain, a bullfrog, hawks, a monster of a snapping turtle and many other delightful sights. I pulled into my lane tired, but with a list of wild things to share with my husband rather than a rant about crazy drivers. Yep, there's no place like home...
Somewhere on US 64.
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