Tiger Swallowtail
Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus The butterfly weeds started to bloom today and it’s easy to see how the orange flowered plant got it’s name; it’s a butterfly magnet! Here you can … Continued
Butterflies are back!
Great Spangled Fritillary, Speyeria cybele I’m happy to report that the butterflies are back. The drought two years ago really knocked them back but I’m seeing lots of them now. This … Continued
Blue Dasher Dragonfly
Blue Dasher Dragonfly A Blue Dasher taken at Potter’s Lake this afternoon. The scientific name for this insect is Pachydiplax longipennis. It’s worth noting that “longipennis” means long-winged and not…well you … Continued
Blue Dasher
Blue Dasher It’s amazing what you can find by a small lake if you slow down, poke your head around in the plants and take a careful look. That’s how … Continued
Southern Spreadwing
Southern Spreadwing (Lestes australis) I discovered this tiny damselfly while taking a walk around Potter’s Lake last night. If there hadn’t been light reflecting off the wings I would have missed … Continued
Red Milk Snake Rarely Seen
Yesterday was only the second time in over 30 years of living here that I’ve seen a red milk snake in the wild. (I did keep a couple for a … Continued
Unicorn Clubtail
Unicorn Clubtail, Arigomphus villosipes I like naming plants and animals. I believe that by knowing something you see more. To be able to name it means you have an awareness that … Continued
American Lady
American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis I caught this butterfly feeding on a patch of Lanceleaf Coreopsis earlier today. There will be lots of wildflowers for George Yatskievych to help us identify on … Continued
Zabulon Skipper
Zabulon Skipper Skippers are a butterflies with small angular wings and large bodies. The name “Skipper” comes from their rapid darting flight. I photographed this one today feeding on a … Continued
Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia) Milkweeds are heavily promoted because they help feed Monarch Butterflies. The Prairie Garden Trust is home to several milkweeds and they are just starting to flower. The … Continued