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Nature Notebook – Ant Formic Acid

While pulling weeds I disturbed a colony of pavement ants. Instantly, a large number appeared in response to the “call to arms” smell released by the guard workers. They raced about looking for the intruder.…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Nictitating Membrane

While recently transferring an injured adult barred owl to a wildlife rehabilitator, I was fascinated by its’ eyes. Owls, among many other animal species, possess a third eyelid, called the nictitating membrane. This transparent membrane,…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Leaf Rollers

Look inside a rolled-up leaf to find a variety of surprises. This type of shelter is usually constructed by a larva from one of the many insect species grouped as “leaf rollers” (how appropriate). The…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Promethea Moth Caterpillars

Many insects spend most of their life cycle as “children.” The proportion of their time as a larva and/or a pupa is much longer than their time as an adult. These Promethea moth caterpillars are…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Wasps hunting caterpillars

The sight of a wasp around plants frightens most people. A knowledgeable gardener, however, happily embraces the insect’s presence. Both solitary and social wasps are extremely beneficial to gardens. The adults eat pollen and nectar…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Stinging Caterpillars

Full of protein without pesky bones, caterpillars are the prime ingredient for many animals’ summer fare. Considering the numbers eaten (300 per day for a goldfinch family or 25,000 in one day for a black…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Sarett’s Butterfly House

The Butterfly House is full of butterflies! Here are some fun factoids to enhance your visit: The longwing family of butterflies (including the Julias, zebra longwings and Gulf fritillary) has learned to dissolve pollen for…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Wild Roses

The wetland floral show continues with the swamp rose. It is the only native rose to grow in wetlands. Swamp rose is the last of the rose species to bloom each year, perhaps because of…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Gray’s Sedge

Brandishing a seedhead that resembles a medieval weapon, Gray’s sedge is also known as mace sedge. First-time observers are usually hesitant to touch the spiky case but the braver ones discover the spikes are not…continue reading

Nature Notebook – Purple Fringed Orchid

The wetland wildflower show starts a bit later than that of the upland meadow. The cooler, wetter microclimate protects the plants against surprise late spring frosts. But…the show is beginning. Purple fringed orchid is now…continue reading