Encountered this creature at the start of our walk in Forest Park Nature Center today.
In late August, I visited the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, MN. The water molecules I “touched” are now reaching the Gulf of Mexico. It takes roughly 90 days. Amazing.
This is probably a first for this food. Just fed some pink glow designer pineapple to my hissing cockroaches. They are ignoring it. Ha!
Learned a bit about Illinois owls yesterday. Apparently some can hear the heartbeat of a mouse under a foot of snow from roughly a football field away.
Just learned about Australian McGraths Flat Miocene fossil assemblage. Many thanks to Ruth for making me aware.
Sad to learn of the death of Edward O. Wilson. He was one of those rare individuals who made such a massive impact on the lives of so many. Including me. He will be missed.
Fossil millipede the size of a car discovered in the UK. Likely the largest land animal at the time. Also found in an area not known for fossils.
Learned a new word today - kleptopharmacophagy. Vampire butterflies attack caterpillars of their own species. I couldn’t make this up if I wanted to.
Interesting study of fruit fly wing morphology and some possible evolutionary limits.
Fun fact for those in the US celebrating Labor Day today. There is a species of ant called the Labor Day ant.
Excited and honored to be an instructor again this year at Sun Foundation’s Art and Science in the Woods. My focus is on central Illinois insects.
For those in areas where cicadas (Brook X) willbe emerging soon, here is a nice article. What to know about cooking cicadas.
Looking for a free fun family activity this spring and summer? Investigate our Science Treasure Hunt. It begins today (April 17, 2021 and ends September 5, 2021. Please share with your family and friends. Children grades K - 8 are eligible to participate. Many thanks to @derek_rucker and Tate Bosler (T6 Software LLC) for their efforts in developing this site.
The last meal of a Cretaceous pollinator. Yes, beetles are an important group of pollinators.
Working with Watercolor Artist Photoshop Action Set. @AdobeCreate Central Illinois scarab beetle (Phanaeus vindex) rendered as a watercolor. This was my first attempt. Your thoughts?
Another attempt using Watercolor Artist Photoshop Action Set. @AdobeCreate Bolivian beetle (Macrodontia cervicornis) rendered as a watercolor. What do you think?
Coldest morning of 2021 (so far). Wind chill makes it feel like 18 below. For those in warmer climes, remember that is Fahrenheit for the temperature. #centralIllinoisLife
I found this article fascinating. Who knew that you could find well preserved beetles inside wood submerged in a peat bog.
Interesting web page. Click on any bird and you can hear them. Since I can’t get out for walks due to the weather, at least, I can hear the birds.
