Several species of dragonflies have colonized the small pond in Butterfly Garden. This species, Erythemis simplicicollis,
is one of the more common members of family Libellulidae in our area.
The individual shown here is an immature male; as it ages its body
color will become a pale blue color but female specimens will retain
the bright green pattern of this male. These adults feed on a variety
of flying insects, including mosquitoes and other dragonflies.
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Common Name: : Eastern Pondhawk
Scientific Name: Erythemis simplicicollis
Where to Look: Butterfly Garden near the pond.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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This
image shows an interesting “natural moment” for two fly
species encountered on Nature Day near Raccoon Bridge on Pioneer Trail.
The carcass of a common Crane Fly (family Tipulidae) is being scavenged
by a second fly species in the family Micropezidae. The scavenger
species, although considered common, is rarely seen in this area.
Images of the fly were submitted to Dr. Steve Marshall (University of
Guelph) who identified it for us as Rainieria antennaepes.
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Common Name: Stiltlegged Fly
Scientific Name: Rainieria antennaepes
Where to Look: This specimen was observed walking about on the surface of leaves of plants around the seep on Pioneer Trail.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Strawberry
Bush flowers are unusual, flattened disks surrounded by five fleshy
petals. The stigma is visible under the foraging ant in this image as a
small, green bump. The ant is foraging on one of the raised stamens
located on the edge of the disk between petals; a circular pale area
surrounds each stamen.
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Common Name: Strawberry Bush and unidentified Red Ant
Scientific Name: Euonymus americanus
Where to Look: Strawberry Bush occurs throughout the Center but many specimens are located on the Pioneer Trail.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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This
treefrog was found on the screen of the greenhouse following a recent
rain, and moved to plants along the Pioneer Trail for this image. These
small nocturnal frogs are infrequently seen, but their rapid, high
pitched trill is one of the common sounds of spring and early summer
evenings.
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Common Name: Gray Treefrog
Scientific Name: Hyla chrysoscelis
Where to Look: Throughout the Center, but unlikely to be seen except in evenings following rain.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Robber
flies are fascinating predatory insects which sit on leaves, logs or
the ground and ambush flying insects. Some species, like this one, are
mimics of bumblebees which helps them avoid becoming prey for some
other predator while they wait for their own food to come by.
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Common Name: Robber Fly
Scientific Name: An undetermined member of genus Laphria
Where to Look:
These insects are most commonly seen sitting on the under story plants
(Poison Ivy, etc.) along the edge of trails. Several have been observed
recently along Pioneer Trail.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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These small purple flowers, bearing obscure nectar guides,
are often stacked alternately along a slender upright stem. Although common,
the plant is frequently overlooked amid more robust components of our spring
flora, but when finally noticed, one thinks, “Ah yes! Venus’ Looking Glass.”
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Common Name: Venus’ Looking Glass
Scientific Name: Triodanis perfoliata
Where to Look: Butterfly Garden
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Snakes
are sometimes seen along the trails at the Center, including this
common Ribbon, or Garter Snake. This harmless species is distinctively
patterned with pale and dark stripes, and the pale lateral bands
involve the 4th scale row. These snakes are relatively nervous and will
usually attempt a rapid retreat when approached.
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Common Name: Eastern Ribbon Snake
Scientific Name: Thamnophis sauritus sauritus
Where to Look: Infrequently seen, but more likely to be encountered near moist areas.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Spiderwort
is frequently seen along roadsides in this area and a few specimens can
be found in Butterfly Garden. The monocot connection is clearly visible
in this image with the three royal blue petals and six small yellowish
stamens.
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Common Name: Spiderwort
Scientific Name: Trandescantia ohiensis
Where to Look: Butterfly Garden.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Caution!
This attractive Tussock Caterpillar bears red defensive glands on 6th
and 7th abdominal segments. These glands secrete chemicals which
irritate the skin and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
This common species feeds on a variety of leaves including willow, elm,
hackberry, oak and other hardwood species.
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Common Name: White Marked Tussock Moth
Scientific Name: Orgyia leucostigma
Where to Look: This caterpillar could turn up virtually anywhere but in our area, it is often found on Black Willow.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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This
ornate creature, a tiny leafhopper, about 5 mm long, is one of more
than 2500 species of the family Cicadellidae in North America. Eighteen
species share this general color pattern and are known collectively as
Candy-striped Leafhoppers. Many leafhoppers feed on ornamental or
crop plants and are considered pests due in part to their transmission
of viruses.
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Common Name: Candy-striped Leafhopper
Scientific Name: An unidentified member of genus Graphocephala.
Where to Look: Throughout the Center on Blackberry Canes and other plants.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Green
Milkweed, Asclepias viridis, now flowering in Butterfly Garden,
produces apical clusters of green flowers about the diameter of a dime.
This is the main food plant for the spring generation of Monarch
Butterflies which pass through our area in April and May. Although many
people consider the plant a noxious weed due to the toxins present in
its tissues, it is essential to Monarchs and a few other insects and
the flowers are attractive enough that use of this species as an
ornamental should be considered.
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Common Name: Green Milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias viridis
Where to Look: Butterfly Garden.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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