Brown Lacewing

Posted on December 31, 2016 by tspuckler

It’s wintertime, yet if you look around, there are still insects to be found, like the Brown Lacewings that occasionally turn up in my house.

They are predators both as adults and larvae. These creatures prefer soft-bodied insects such as aphids and mealybugs, as well as insect eggs.

I suspect the reason I’m finding them indoors is that the were inadvertently brought in when outdoor plants came in for the Winter.

Brown Lacewings are native throughout North America, though are not as abundant as Green Lacewings (these were the first examples I’ve ever seen).

Adults are small, only about half an inch long, and as their name implies, they have heavily veined wings. The larvae look like tiny alligators with sickle-shaped jaws.

Although they are fragile-looking, lacewings are one of the most effective beneficial insects to the gardener and I surely don’t mind having them around.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Norway Spruce

Posted on December 24, 2016 by tspuckler

The dark green needles and drooping or “weeping” branches of this tree are two of its key identification features.

Norway Spruce is perhaps the most common spruce in Ohio, though it is not native; it was introduced from Europe and Asia 150-200 years ago.

This conifer is often used for windbreaks due to it being the fastest growing as well as the tallest (115–180 feet) spruce in the state. It also produces the largest cone (4-7 inches long) of all spruces.

With age, the pendulous, dense branchlets in the upper canopy of mature trees hang straight down for several feet, and are called skirts.

This tree’s bark exudes a substance is known as “Burgundy Pitch,” which is the basic material for a number of varnishes and medicinal materials.

In addition to all of the above qualities, Norway Spruce is the main Christmas Tree in several cities around the world.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Blue Jay

Posted on December 17, 2016 by tspuckler

As one of the loudest and most colorful birds of eastern backyards and wooded areas, the Blue Jay is one of our easiest birds to identify. Intelligent and adaptable, it often visits bird feeders.

The Blue Jay mainly feeds on nuts and seeds such as acorns. At feeders it seems to favor peanuts (the individuals that visit our house also like popcorn). Like squirrels, this bird is known to hide nuts for consumption later.

It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common near and in residential areas. One Summer I even had this Blue Jay nest with three babies in my front yard.

The nest tends to be cup-shaped and composed of twigs, small roots, bark strips, moss, other plant material, as well as cloth and paper. There are usually between 3 to 6 eggs laid, which are incubated for about 17 days. The young fledge 3 weeks after hatching.

The Blue Jay frequently mimics the calls of hawks, especially the Red-shouldered Hawk. These calls may provide information to other jays that a hawk is around, or may be used to deceive other species into believing a hawk is present.

Like a Cardinal, the Blue Jay features a feathered crest on the head, which may be raised or lowered according to its mood. When excited or aggressive, the crest is raised. When the bird is feeding among other jays or resting, the crest is flattened on the head.

The Blue Jay occupies a variety of habitats within its large range, from the pine woods of Florida to the spruce-fir forests of northern Ontario. It is less abundant in dense forests, preferring mixed woodlands with oaks and beeches; I often see them when visiting Metroparks here in Ohio.

This bird is well adjusted to human activity, occurring in parks and residential areas, and can adapt to a lack of trees with relative ease if human activity creates means food and shelter for the Blue Jays to use as resources. Its perky crest; blue, white, and black plumage; and noisy calls make the Blue Jay a unique and welcome visitor.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Posted on December 10, 2016 by tspuckler

While hiking in Brecksville Reservation, I caught sight of a grapefriut-sized odd looking fungus that I’ve never seen before. It usually grows alone or in pairs, fruiting from the wounds of living trees (especially oaks) in late Summer and Fall.

Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its icicle-like projections, its appearance on hardwoods and its tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines.

About a dozen studies have been published on the neuroregenerative properties of Lion’s Mane Mushroom since 1991; tests have confirmed that it stimulates nerve regeneration.

This historical Chinese medicine is developing a following in the world of modern smart drugs. It is also very tasty to eat.

Like all fungi, Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a vital decomposer in the ecosystem, breaking down dead organisms and biological waste and freeing nutrients for use by other organisms.

This mushroom has a variety of common names, including Bearded Tooth, Old Man’s Beard, Satyr’s Beard, Monkey Head, Bear’s Head, Sheep’s Head, Hedgehog Fungus, Tree Hedgehog and Pom Pom.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Autumn Meadowhawk

Posted on December 3, 2016 by tspuckler

As it gets colder out, less and less insect life is out and about. One conspicuous exception is this awesome little dragonfly, which is present long after Summer species have reproduced and died.

This is a slender, pale, late-flying species. It has minimal black markings and the wings are slightly amber at the bases. Males and some mature females have brilliant red abdomens. In younger individuals, the abdomen is brown.

The Autumn Meadowhawk is widely distributed throughout much of North America, where it inhabits marshes, lakes, ponds and bogs in areas that are usually somewhat wooded.

Dragonflies have highly developed sight. Their large, compound eyes are used to capture prey. Insects are their main food, which their catch while flying. Dragonflies help control fly and mosquito popupaltions.

Because of the cooler weather, this species is easier to approach than most other dragonflies. It can ofen be spotted on tree trunks and utilizes the solar-collector-like surfaces of fallen leaves to warm itself.

Usually the last dragonfly of the year, Autumn Meadowhawks routinely survive the first frosts and even the first snow falls.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Midland Water Snake

Posted on November 26, 2016 by tspuckler

One my annual October visit to southern Illinois, I always look forward to getting reacquainted with this fine serpent. The Midland Water Snake is one of the most common aquatic snakes found in the Southeast.

Average adult size is 2-4 feet, with a record length of nearly 5 feet. It is very similar to the Northern Water Snake that lives in my home state of Ohio, but it retains its pattern into adulthood, while the Northerns tend to turn a solid dark gray. This species is generally a light brown or tan with darker brown or even reddish bands.

The Midland Water Snake can be found in and around lakes, ponds, creeks, rivers, and even in drainage ditches. It prefers areas with wood debris, rocks or other hiding spots. It adapts well to humans and sometimes even resides in decorative ponds at apartment buildings.

This snake gives birth to live offspring typically from August through October. It generally has 1 to 2 dozen babies. The babies are self-sufficient and able to hunt small fish and amphibians.

Like its cousin to the north, this reptile eats fish, frogs, toads and salamanders.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Black Caterpillar Hunter

Posted on November 19, 2016 by tspuckler

This It is a somewhat large beetle reaching about an inch in length that is more common in the southern United States than the north. It tends to roam at night and rest under rocks and debris in the daytime.

This large, beautiful black beetle that is especially fond of caterpillars. Its favorite meal is the caterpillar of the dreaded Gypsy Moth. The Black Caterpillar Hunter, while found in the woods, can also be found in cultivated grounds, especially in city parks and gardens. Its large jaws help it to dispatch and devour its meals.

Although dark in color, it has hints of metallic green, blue, bronze and purple that look airbrushed. Its lifespan can range from 2 to 3 years, which is rather long for a beetle.

The Black Caterpillar Hunter secretes an unpleasant odor to deter would-be attackers. It is identified by its black body that is often ‘punched’ with small dots of red or gold lines It was nice to get acquainted with this fine creature while out herping.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Timber Rattlesnake

Posted on November 12, 2016 by tspuckler

Adaptable with a wide range, this is the only rattlesnake in most of the populous northeastern United States. This species is found in deciduous forests in rugged terrain. I have encountered them several northeast states, including southern Illinois on my trip there last month.

Adult Timber Rattlesnakes are typically from 3 to 5 feet in length. They have a pattern of dark brown or black crossbands on a yellowish brown or grayish background. The crossbands have irregular zig-zag edges, and may be V-shaped or M-shaped. Often a rust-colored stripe down the back is present.

This reptile is potentially one of North America’s most dangerous snakes, due to its long fangs, impressive size, and high venom yield; fortunately it tends to have a rather mild disposition. Contrary to popular belief, Timber Rattlesnakes are shy, retiring creatures that wish nothing more than to be left alone.

These serpents eat a wide range of small birds and mammals, including rodents, moles and rabbits. When it comes to hunting, they have a specialized adaptation. Like all pit vipers, these snakes have heat-sensitive pits located on each side of the head. These sensors help them hone in on warm blooded prey.

Timber Rattlesnakes give birth to live young in Autumn. When born, a young rattlesnake has a single “button” at the end of its tail. With each shed a new segment is added to its rattle. The segments are loosely attached and when the snake vibrates its tail they shake against one another, making the “rattle” sound.

Rattlesnakes are found only in the Americas.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Bald Cypress

Posted on November 5, 2016 by tspuckler

This is a classic tree of southern swamps. It resides in flooded areas because it out-competes with most other trees in this habutat. It is a is a deciduous conifer, so while a member of the Pine Tree Family, it looses its needles in the Winter months, hence the name “bald.”

Bald Cypress trees growing in swamps have a peculiarity called “knees.” These are woody projections from the root system that go above the ground or water. Their function was once thought to be to provide oxygen to the roots, but a more likely purpose is for structural support and stability.

These are slow-growing, long-lived trees that regularly reach up to 600 years in age. Since they tend to grow along rivers and in wetlands, they are excellent at soaking up floodwaters and preventing erosion. They also trap pollutants and prevent them from spreading. The trunk base is swollen when the tree grows in water.

They have globose cones which turn from green to brownish-purple as they mature from October to December. The cones are measure 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter and have scales that break away after maturity. Each scale can bear two triangular seeds.

Though I see them when visiting marshy, boggy places, like Heron Pond in southern Illinois, in yards in my home state of Ohio Bald Cypress is a popular ornamental tree, grown for its light, feathery foliage and orange-brown to dull red fall color. It thrives on a wide range of soils, including well-drained sites where it would not grow naturally due to the inability of the young seedlings to compete with other vegetation.

I enjoy seeing this classic swampland inhabitants on my travels. Snakes, turtles, birds and other animals rely on Bald Cypress swamps for habitat, while bees, wood ducks and owls nest in its hollow trunks.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Mole Salamander

Posted on October 29, 2016 by tspuckler

This 3 to 4 inch amphibian seems to have a head and feet too big for the rest of the creature. It kind of reminds me of a Bulldog.

Mole Salamanders are black, brown or grey in color, with pale bluish or silvery flecks. Adults are found in forested habitats like bald cypress and tupelo swamplands, flatwoods sloughs and nearby ponds. I sometimes find them under logs or in moist leaf litter.

These were all from a swamp edge I investigated while visiting southern Illinois. Adult Mole Salamanders are nocturnal and burrow during the day; their common name comes from their underground lifestyle.

Adults move to fish-free pools or swamp edges for courtship and egg-laying during late autumn and winter rains. Females attach 200-400 small eggs, in jelly-covered clusters, to underwater twigs and leaves.

Mole Salamander larvae transform during summer or autumn and, in a few permanent ponds, some large larvae are known to overwinter. They have gills and breathe like fish until they metamorphose into adults.

It is always cool to come across this oddly proportioned amphibian, which is not native to my home state of Ohio.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail

Tim Spuckler's Blog

Reptile Ramblings and More

Yearly Archives: 2016

Brown Lacewing

Norway Spruce

Blue Jay

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Autumn Meadowhawk

Midland Water Snake

Black Caterpillar Hunter

Timber Rattlesnake

Bald Cypress

Mole Salamander