Common Name: Rattlesnake Master Scientific Name: Eryngium yuccifolium Where to look: Common in Butterfly Garden. Photo and text by Bill Stark

Rattlesnake Master recently came into flower in Butterfly Garden and although the flowers are not particularly showy, they still attract a variety of pollinators including butterflies, beetles and bees. Small ants can be seen foraging on this flower.

American Aloe, or Agave, exists for most of the growing season as a basal rosette of fleshy Yucca-like leaves. The floral stalk may be several feet in length and bears a series of fragrant flowers whose most conspicuous feature is the large yellow stamens.

Common Name: American Aloe Scientific Name: Agave virginica Where to look: Butterfly Garden near the Pioneer Trail entrance.   Photo and text by Bill Stark

Baby toads are a common summer sight in area yards and ditches. This small individual was observed moving along the trail recently in Butterfly Garden; although young, the swollen, wart-like parotoid glands can be seen just behind the eyes.

Common Name: American Toad Scientific Name: Bufo americana Where to look: More likely to be seen near the pond in Butterfly Garden or Fern Gully. Photo and text by Bill Stark

Common Name: Skipper Scientific Name: Unknown Where to look: Butterfly Garden and other spots near flowers. Photo and text by Bill Stark

Skippers are small, usually modestly pigmented, butterfly relatives placed in the family Hesperiidae. They are most common in the mid to late summer months and are often seen nectaring on Lantana and other flowers, or basking in sunny spots. One rather distinctive feature for skippers visible on this specimen is the slightly clubbed and apically curved antennal tips.

Katydids are grasshopper and cricket relatives as evidenced by the enlarged hind legs of this specimen. Most species remain green, exhibit very long antennae, and feed on leaves. This immature individual has not yet developed wings and relies on crypsis, or blending in with its background, for defense against predators. Common Name: Katydid Scientific Name: An unidentified member of family Tettigoniidae Where to look: On vegetation throughout the Center. Some individuals are more common in meadow habitat while others prefer trees. Photo and text by Bill Stark