This is a mournfulthyrsi, a colorful, day-flying moth found in forests throughout the eastern US. As caterpillars, they feed only on the leaves ofgreenbrier (Smilax), a thorny vine that often irritates hikers. It’s fun to associate an attractive day-flying moth like this with the thorny plant that many curse.
The Azure Bluet is often seen flying near water sources that are slow-moving if they have a current at all. Ponds, marshes, bogs, and lakes are all great habitats for this type of damselfly that feeds on small flying insects. The striking blue color is seen on both males and females. A single blue band…
This robust grasshopper seems dull at first, but notice the bright blue inside the hindleg and the bright yellow hindwings Female tiny parasitic wasp (Eupelmidae) with an interesting jumping mechanism crawling over tree bark-likely Anastatus hunting for stink bug eggs to lay its own eggs into Flies attracted to dead longhorn beetle-stilt-legged fly (Rainieria antennaepes)…
Trying to find an alternative to the fountain of youth? The first use of a type of fungi called Ganoderma Lucidum can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, and was dubbed “The Mushroom of Immortality” in the Book of Han. The Trametes Elegans mushroom is a common polypore and wood-decay fungus with a pantropical distribution found on hardwood hosts in…
In the TN woods, you can find all kinds of surprises, like this Copperhead.
We Have to Watch Out for Bites and Ticks While Out Hiking
Even though we can’t go now, this beautiful environment will be waiting for us when we can. You, too. It’s never too early to start thinking about a gorgeous Tennessee vacation. Read more here.
