Among the many species of rattlesnake, timber rattlers are the only species in the area. They have powerful venom that is medically significant to humans; however bites are uncommon due to their mild disposition. Despite issuing a characteristic warning sound, they are actually slow to strike. Individuals live 9–10years and primarily feed on rodents.
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. European hornet (Vespa crabo) flying back…
Camel crickets, despite their name, are related to katydids rather than crickets. But unlike their cousins that sing to attract mates, camel crickets are largely silent. Instead they likely use smells and vibrations to communicate. Although, much of this is speculation, since the behavior of most species remains a mystery! American Bird Grasshopper Banded Pennant…
The Banded Pennant is a small dragonfly (to about 1½ inch long) with distinctive black markings and reddish eyes. Look for the Banded Pennant near water. They are also seen flying in open lots and ditches, fields and meadows. It is active from late spring to early autumn. View more insects.
A native of eastern Asia, the multicolored Asian Lady Beetle was introduced into the United States by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a biological control agent. This tree dwelling beetle is an important predator of aphids and scale insects. Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles are slightly larger than native lady beetles, with adults measuring 9/32…
A civilization under a stone. These ants are busy caring for their eggs and larvae. The lives of these creatures is complex, with various communications, duties, and associations with other life forms such as bacteria, fungus, mites, beetles, etc., that live amongst them. Books could be written about just this scene. Take a moment to…
Camel crickets are large, abundant insects common to forests across the US. But they are rarely noticed, partly because they’re nocturnal. Here are two camel crickets that left their underground daylight hiding place to feed on a mushroom at night. Female tiny parasitic wasp (Eupelmidae) with an interesting jumping mechanism crawling over tree bark-likely Anastatus…
