Missouri Wilderness

Fall Moments...

2008-09-28T23:17:00.004-05:00

Well, it's gotten busy again. But, I can still post every now and then. This Oak is from out on Missouri Southern State University's lawn. It reminds me of the good times I've had there.

I thought I'd share a few seasonal links with you and bring up some topics for discussion.

The first link is the official times for the first frosts in Missouri. NOAA Climatology
It always amazes me that different trees start turning at different times. Right now, the maples are just turning a bit yellow and the sassafrases have some tinges of orange around these parts.

The second link is one that surprises me that it actually exists.
Missouri Conservationist Fall Guide
Is that not just plain awesome? There are definitely some great views to see in Missouri. This site ought to help you find the right one for you!

The third thought is that I've been thinking lately of getting a better bicycle and riding around the state sites some. One of my overall goals in life is to see every state park and trail. I also want to start getting a bit fitter and do my part in keeping the environment clean. A bike fits this well, and I was wondering if anyone else around these parts has had similar thoughts.

And, the fourth and final thought for this post is that I've seen a lot of tossed out trash lately alongside the roadways. People either seem to be getting sloppier or just lazy. I don't know which, but it bugs me.

Take care, folks!

Katydids at Night...

2008-08-28T23:05:00.004-05:00

At night, when the moon is high and the summer breeze sweeps the land, one might hear a familiar sound. Sometimes it's loud and annoying, but mostly it's just another background noise adding to the atmosphere and excitement of being outdoors.

I took these pictures of two different Katydids singing their mating song. Well, singing isn't accurate. It's more like they are vibrating. These are located on the hind angles of the front wings. If you look carefully, you'll see the opening in the back of the first Katydid which allows the sound to focus in a straight line. While you're able to hear it in any direction, the sound is much more precise if you are just above it or just to the side. Oh, and as local lore has it, these little guys (and they are guys since only the males call out for their mates) are making sounds like Kat-ee-did. Thus, they are called Katydids.

They are also known as True Katydids.

Scientific name:
Pterophylla camellifolia

For something new, I decided to record the song they are producing and upload it to the Internet. This is an intermittent song, varying little in pitch or tempo. This was produced by the second Katydid pictured.
Katydid Sounding Out

I'm using a new file hosting site, and I've yet to test it thoroughly. (The last site I used just closed.) So, if you have problems downloading this .mp3 file, please let me know. I believe you have to set up a free account to download it, but I haven't seen anything bad yet. Any feedback would help. Thank you!

Red or Purple Deadnettle

2008-08-18T23:08:00.004-05:00

Whichever name you choose to give this little plant, it's probably appropriate. This is a naturalized plant to Missouri. It is common throughout Europe and Asia, but it has made itself home here in the United States. Some people see this plant as an invasive species, because it will take over cultivated land quickly. Mostly it's seen just on the fringe edges of yards and fields where it isn't disturbed regularly.

Scientific name:
Lamium purpureum

P.S.
Thanks for the big welcome back, everybody! I'll try to keep up the pace as the semester progresses, but it all depends on what I have to do.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

2008-08-12T22:43:00.002-05:00

Just minding its own business is this Black Swallowtail Caterpillar. This is the second stage of its development. He is resting in the sun waiting to turn into a beautiful butterfly after some time in his catalyst.

This butterfly is also the state butterfly of Oklahoma, and there are several related and similar species roaming the Ozarks and Missouri in general.

Scientific name:
Papilio polyxenes

Rose Pink

2008-08-06T00:07:00.002-05:00

Light, airy, and pretty, the Rose Pink is common across the United States, and lives in wooded areas and alongside fields.

You might pass this by without a second thought. However, if you look at it closely, it is a complex flower in and of itself. It is thin, but it supports itself well, and the flowers are striking among the green.

Scientific name:
Sabatia angularis

Southern Green Stink Bug

2008-07-29T18:05:00.002-05:00

Pew. This post stinks.
Today, I give you a shot of a fourth instar nymph of the Southern Green Stink Bug. From what I gather, an instar is a stage of development for these little guys. I found it on a wild cherry tree which had been toppled over during the ice storms.

Scientific name:
Nezara viridula

Correction:
In an earlier post, I misidentified a plant as Common Milkweed. The plant is commonly known as Purple Milkweed, but its true Scientific name is Asclepias purpurascens. I'll give a big thanks to the Anonymous poster who helped correct the mistake.

To comment on the mistake, this is an example of long-embedded misconceptions being overturned. Some time ago a teacher of mine cultivated Milkweed to raise Monarch Butterflies. Her Common Milkweed was very similar to the specimen shown in my pictures, which goes to show how color can throw off an identification. Usually, Purple Milkweed is darker in nature, and it has rougher leaves. But, sometimes it does not, as is this case. Common Milkweed can look similar in some circumstances where the plant has not fully developed. And, as a side note for its commonality, Purple Milkweed is widespread here in Missouri, but in other states, such as those in the Northeast, it is quite endangered. However, efforts to keep it thriving have been taken up by university programs.

Thank you again, and I hope this adds to the discussion.

Flooding...

2008-06-19T00:34:00.003-05:00

This is the first set of pictures in a series I think I'm going to start about the weather. I'm mainly doing this because the weather is quite dramatic here in Missouri. Tornadoes, ice storms, droughts, and floods all make up just a fraction of the weather we see here in the good ol' Mo.

So, first up is flooding. This creek swelled more than 14 feet over its flood stage during this flood period in April. The deepest levels were estimated at 20 feet. The second picture shows the creek at its normal stage.

Flooding helps to keep debris down as well as to wash out eroding sandy shores which can pose dangerous in dry situations. Flooding also changes the banks and creek bed shapes. This just shows that flooding isn't always bad. Remember, turn around, don't drown!

Purple Milkweed

2008-06-17T23:41:00.007-05:00

Hello again!

Yes, I'm back. And, I have plenty of pictures to put up this time 'round. Paperwork and other things kept me from paying attention to my blog, and I'm quite ready to get back at it.

Now, onto our first plant of the summer vacation. It's colloquially known as Purple Milkweed, and though this strongly varies from location to location, it comes in several different shades from light pink to dark purple and dark pink as we see here. The flowers are grouped in large, umbrella-shaped clusters on top of a taut stem. The leaves are alternate and come up quite large. It prefers sun to part shade and is seen in moist runoff lands. It's a great attractant to butterflies, as we once saw with Butterfly Weed, a happy relative. Be careful though, if you have this. Deer at this up a couple of days after I took this picture. The seeds, however, were spared, and hopefully I can spread them out.

Notice the way the flowers blossom out into five-pointed tubes. The ants help pollinate it just as well as the butterflies.

Scientific name:
Asclepias purpurascens L

*Edit Notice*
This post was edited on July 29, 2008 to correct a misidentification. The information as it is seen now is correct. Please review the comments.

Thank you,
Nate

Immature Paper Wasp

2008-02-22T18:08:00.000-06:00

I remembered this picture after Marvin posted his a couple of weeks ago. This is an immature paper wasp, as can seen by its bright yellow head, eyes, and faint yellow markings on its abdomen. It's also munching up some aster flowers and nector, which will sustain it during its first winter. These little buggers aren't agressive, but I've accidentally grabbed a nest or two and received their wrath.

Scientific name:
Polistes annularis

Btw, I thank you all for taking my "break" in stride. Student teaching has been going well, but the weather prevents me from making definite plans for lessons. I'm helping teach English classes. When I'm certified, I'm hoping to teach some form of English and Journalism classes. Perhaps certified has two connotations there...

Deer Tracks in Snow

2008-02-08T18:48:00.000-06:00

About a week ago, we had four inches of snow. During the night or early morning, some deer passed through this trail. This is probably a yearling or small doe as the track is carried from one foot up to the other without much lift. A larger buck has a shorter, stouter track unless the snow is quite deep. This also indicates the deer were walking swiftly as there is not much disturbance in the rest of the track's main shape.

Taking a Break....

2008-02-06T17:16:00.000-06:00

I am writing to inform my loyal audience and friends that I am taking a break from my blog for awhile. This semester, I am student teaching. So, my responsibilities for the classroom are cutting into my blogging research time. However, I should be able to make Thursdays and Fridays. If you check back on those days, my blog will probably be updated.

Thanks for the patience!
Nate

Deer Track

2008-01-30T17:46:00.000-06:00

This track was made in compact ground, and it looked several hours old. Since I took it in the evening, I believe the deer passed through sometime in the mid morning hours. You can tell this by the way the grass has sprung up around the track and the way the dirt has dried. This was probably a buck in a fast canter as the other tracks around it were just as deep and even more sprawled out.

Sachems

2008-01-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

Mainly, I'm posting this because of the bleak day. These little gals make me happy. They are called Sachems, a type of Skipper moth in the family Hesperiidae. I know they are females because of the dark, greyish brown wings. Males have yellowish wings. They can stray up to Missouri, but they usually don't get much farther north. Every so often, you'll have an abundance of these little moths. Oh, and you'll recognize the Canadian Thistle below them.

Scientific name:
Atalopedes campestris

Ambush Bug

2008-01-27T18:20:00.000-06:00

A great big thank you goes out to Marvin, who correctly identified this insect. Please visit his blog from the Arkansas Ozarks at the link on the left (Three Steps Foreward).

This is the first time I have ever encountered this insect, and I wasn't trying to be lazy in the last post; I really did not know what it was. The wonderful thing about blogging is the electronic community which comes to the aid of others. So, I'm quite grateful at understanding something I didn't know before.

With that said, this insect might look like a mantid, but it is not. It simply has the large forelegs and similar eyes. It is also a predator bug, which means it attacks other insects in an ambush-like way. According to what I've read, it can attack insects much larger than itself. It also loves to sit on Asters and other similar flowers with large, yellow cones, which is what we see here. It is characterized by the pale-green color and the large abdomen with brown spots on its backside.

Scientific name:
Phymata americana

When working with nature, it is a humbling thing to remember how ignorant one can be. However, it also empowers us to be curious, and forces us not to give up. Perhaps I gave up a little too soon, but I also have the fortunate experience of 20/20 hindsight in which I now understand another weakness in my nature observations. I was focusing on the mantis family only, not thinking that there could be a similar species out there. I also forgot to look into copycats or habitat-specific insects. Usually, I just take pictures and note where I found them, what time it was, and any unusual conditions. Since the winter has put a damper on a few of my outdoor activities, I am going to use the extra time to create a better nature journal. My first inclination is to become more meticulous in my work and just jot down everything. Then, I'll sort out the things which become cumbersome and rarely used. These will go into an "extra info" section of my texts. Hopefully, it'll also add to this blog.

Mystery Mantis

2008-01-22T17:46:00.000-06:00

When I first saw this little nymph, I did a double take. It's obviously a mantis, but there was no egg sac, nor were there other nymphs around. I didn't even see a mother. The other puzzling part of this whole story is that I can't identify it based on the photos I took. It's either not known in Missouri, or it's just too young to identify. So, I'm throwing it up to my audience for help. If you know what it is, please post it in the comments. I'd appreciate it. I also have another pic that shows its back better, but this is the clearest overall pic of the nymph.

Thanks, and happy hunting!

Creeks...

2008-01-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

Thousands of creeks run the landscape of Missouri. They are usually clear because of the limestone bottoms, which filter water and reflect just the right amount of light. This creek here, Clear Creek, runs through Pierce City. It is a cool, spring-fed creek. Waterways such as these are home to Missouri wildlife and not just fish. Beavers, Salamanders, Turkeys, Woodchucks, Deer, etc all have some reason to be near a creek, if only for water. The Missouri Department of Conservation sponsors water clean-up crews across the state. They pull tons of waste and garbage out of the streams each year. They are known as Stream Teams.

Yellow Garden Spider

2008-01-18T19:38:00.000-06:00

Although it's known by several names, it is usually associated with gardens. The Yellow Garden Spider is active in the later summer and early fall in Missouri. Obviously, it's characterized by its black and yellow banding. It loves close-quartered plants, corners, and rises near more open areas. This is the spider that builds the zig-zag or X-shaped web known the world over. This is likely a female as it is more than an inch long. I caught this one in the act of binding up its prey.

Scientific name:
Argiope aurantia
Class:
Chelicerata

Shelf Mushroom

2008-01-15T20:08:00.000-06:00

This is an example of a growing Shelf or Sulfer Mushroom. The name comes from the strong smell and taste of the mushroom. It tastes either like bitter chicken or smells like terrible sulfur. Supposedly it's edible, but I tend to avoid mushrooms, because I'm not an expert at identifying them.

This mushroom was growing on a rotting tree, and it is nearly all orange without its usual ringed edge. It will come back in full glory next year. Then, I think it will actually have a ring on it, making it more identifiable.

Scientific name:
Laetiporus sulphureus or
Laetiporus cincinnatus

The Passion's Not Dead...

2008-01-05T23:01:00.000-06:00

It's only in remission. This is the fruit of the Passion Flower after it has withered up for the winter. The seed pod inside will spread come springtime when birds and other animals knock the fruit off of its vine. Then, the plant will find its way around and pop up again in the early summer. Notice the bulb stands out against the rest of the world. It is shiny and bright even in the dead of winter.

Common Blackberry... in the snow

2008-01-04T22:24:00.000-06:00

Even in the coldest parts of winter, animals have a way to survive. They either store food or seek out plants that are still green or giving up fruit. In this case, a Common Blackberry is still green long after its fruits are gone. This plant probably survived the harsh cold snaps due to its sheltered life under trees, leaves, and other plants.

Notice the three coarse, compound leaves. They are not attached to one another as in other brambles or members of the Rubus genus. All brambles fall under the same family as roses, and you'll notice a slight rose smell as you get near them.

Scientific name:
Rubus fruticosus

A thank you...

2008-01-03T21:57:00.000-06:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Victoria formally for asking me to help with her blog. She is the one who made me the most interested in "photoblogging." Before this blog, I did have several plain ol' blogs. I had also done a thesis on the blogging phenomenon. However, I had never really had any use for my own photoblog. But, she did. It is her hobby and a great relaxer after a stressful day. I admire that and hope to contribute in a respectful way.

This also prompts me to update my blog. I too have been busy these past few weeks and had to give into the needs of school, work, life, etc. My work on this blog will continue, and I hope you will give it a few lookovers yourself. It is more of a personal study of nature, so any comments will be appreciated.

Take care,
Nate
AKA Missouri_Wilderness

Ice Storm

2008-01-03T21:45:00.000-06:00

Just under a year ago we had a heavy ice storm hit this area. But, it wasn't the last of the ice. Two weeks ago, ice hit again. And, though there wasn't much left to fall from the last storm, there was still quite a bit of damage.

This picture was taken in the woods near my home. The foreground tree is a hickory, and most of the background trees are walnuts, sassafrases, paw-paws, and Osage Oranges. All of these are tough plants and could withstand most of the force exerted by the ice. The problems come from large, older trees which either stand alone or along the edge of the woods. These trees branch much further out than the inner trees because of space. Inner trees tend to grow straight and have fewer branches to snap. Although there is some snapping, the trees usually survive. Woods and forests simply compound the problem by having many trees that drop maybe one or two branches each. This causes a fire hazard and is a good reason to look into prescribed burns and brush cleanups.

Long-jawed Orbweaver

2007-10-20T14:17:00.000-05:00

Living upside down over water, the Long-jawed Orbweaver is distinctive in looks and style.

It is long, slender, and translucent throughout. It blends in well with water, plants, and twigs. Its web is quite open, like most orbweavers, but it keeps its egg sacs well-protected in tough, stringy bundles near the web's edge.

There are several species of Long-jawed Orbweavers throughout the United States. There are at least 15 known, but this one is likely a specialized species due to its open nature. I found this one on a bridge above a small creek. It wasn't near plants, and the web was larger than I thought it should be. If you know the exact species, I would appreciate it.

Order:
Araneae

Family:
Tetragnathidae

Shamrock Orbweaver

2007-10-17T23:35:00.000-05:00

Counting down two weeks until Halloween, I'm going to start posting some creepier pictures... well, I'll start posting pictures of spiders!

I'll start you out with the Shamrock Orbweaver. It's set apart from other Orbweavers by its greenish tint, orange, translucent legs, and the whitish "shamrock" pattern (although it's just a series of spots) on its back. They make large, open webs in bushes or brushes along marsh edges and in tall grasses.

Scientific name:
Araneus trifolium

Skimmer on leaves...

2007-10-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's another game. Where is the Common Whitetail Skimmer?

It's near the center of the picture. Hard to see, isn't it? Well, the reason is due to its unique camouflage which helps it blend in with decaying leaves. Why would this be of use? Well, because the skimmer seeks out water, the natural landscape includes multitudes of dead or decaying plants. Also, many underwater plants are muddy, stringy, and good places to hide eggs. The female, if you remember my earlier post, is a dark brown. She will blend in with the areas she needs to lay her eggs.

The males blend in with the water below. This makes them less vulnerable to overhead attacks from birds.

Scientific name:
Libellula lydia

Snowberry Clearwing

2007-10-12T16:12:00.000-05:00

Looking again at disguises and camouflage, I bring you the Snowberry Clearwing. It's the perfect example of looking like something it's not.

What is it? I'll give you a few seconds.

Did you guess moth?

It looks like a large bee, but it's not. It is a moth. The main differences are easy to spot. First, at the tip of the abdomen, look at the hairy appendage. It mimics a stinger. The wings start out pale with scales, but after the pupa stage, the scales fall off, and the wings become clear. These wings are larger and wider than a bumblebee's. The black and yellow segments are also thicker. And, the moth makes a noise similar to a hummingbird's buzz when it flies. This is mainly due to its size. In fact, several years ago, this moth was responsible for several missightings of hummingbirds. If you see one, it will probably sit still. Hummingbirds rarely sit still while feeding. They do while flying from place to place, but prefer to fly and feed.

Oh, and this Clearwing is feeding from a Canada Thistle.

Scientific name:
Hemaris diffinis
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae

Mud Plantain

2007-10-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

This tiny plant grows mainly in southern Missouri eastward to New York, clipping only a few states here and there. It grows around water in moist soils and indicates native areas.

The Mud Plantain comes in several looks, but it stands out because of the green ring in the center and the tall, thick anthers. Six to eight sharp petals surround them. The stem is long and slender. It trails down through the mud where the whole plant is supported by broad leaves that resemble those of bean plants. These leaves are quite dark in contrast to the rest of the plant.

Scientific name:
Heteranthera reniformis
Family: Pontederiaceae

The photo was taken near Wildcat Park near Saginaw, Mo. A new Audubon Center has been built in the area to recognize the natural glades which line Shoal Creek. The Center provides free information and has worked to improve the local trail systems. I highly recommend going there for a nice weekend trip.

And, if you are coming down Mo 71, then you'll pass Prairie State Park. It is the most accessible prairie in Missouri as far as information and walking is concerned. Other prairies in the state were once private lands turned into roadside stops. I will provide more information in later posts. Here are directions to Prairie State Park.

P.S.
Yes, it is the same plant featured in Victoria's post a few weeks back. We were having a macro-off.

Differential Grasshopper

2007-10-06T18:52:00.000-05:00

Common throughout most of the United States, this grasshopper appears during the late summer. However, it is active as long as it has something to eat, which includes ragweed, goldenrod, and other large plants.

It can be a pest in some places, but it is useful in controlling populations of noxious weeds. Every grasshopper has powerful chewing jaws that allow it to eliminate large leaves quickly.

The reason I chose this subject is because of its ability to blend in with its environment. During the summer, this grasshopper is a lighter green with more brown, but as the fall comes, it turns darker green. This is a sign of aging for this species. The identifiable marks on this grasshopper are the brownish eyes and the dark chevrons which line the hind legs. They remind me of tanks for some reason.

Camouflage is a useful thing for any creature. For the next few posts, I will be exploring different examples of camo in the wild.

Also, my posts may become sporadic as I am working and going to school pretty much full time. I'll post as soon as I can.

Scientific name:
Melanoplus differentialis

Lesser Snapdragon

2007-09-09T23:28:00.000-05:00

With a diminutive name, this alien species has settled well in Missouri.

It comes to us from Europe and grows in our waste areas. In the light of George Washington Carver, this little plant helps to renew the soil in many of these places. It is a light plant, with tiny, pink, lipped flowers that are only slightly more than a quarter of an inch across. The long, simple leaves curl if they get too long (kinda like toenails). The plants grow in clusters, but usually don't spread to fill large areas.

They also smell slightly sweet, but you'd have to get reeeeeeeallly close to even get that much out of it.

Scientific name:
Antirrhinum orontium

Giant Swallowtail on Swamp Thistle

2007-09-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

Known as being the largest of butterflies in North America, the Giant Swallowtail makes its yearly trips through the state during the end of the summer months. As it grows colder and darker, the butterfly will float on south of here where it will spend the winter.

The butterfly can live for several generations which means there can be many generations living in one area. They are attracted to moist meadows and woodland edges. They are attracted to the largest of flowering plants, but they will land on fruit trees.

This one has landed on the large Swamp Thistle (Cirsium muticum, which is a native species of Missouri. It is large enough to carry the weight of this relatively heavy butterfly. The butterfly can have wings nearly six inches (+145 mm) in span. The hindwings are what set this species apart from its mimics. The wings are brightly colored and consistently patterned. Mimics usually have random patterns with smaller colorings.

The Swamp Thistle can be distinguished from its non-native relative Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) by the bulb. The Swamp thistle has a near-translucent appearance up close. The green is soft and light. Canada Thistle appears more purplish with smaller bulbs. Both species are large, but Swamp Thistle can be over nine feet tall (+3 m).

Scientific name:
Giant Swallowtail - Papilio cresphontes
Swamp Thistle - Cirsium muticum

Supplemental Diets

2007-09-03T22:35:00.000-05:00

Nighttime Series Shot #3
Ever seen a grasshopper eat a wasp? No? Maybe katydid? No? Well, here I give you the best of both worlds.

Yesterday I introduced you to the Gladiator Katydid. Today, I'll show you how some of the younger ones survive on an omnivorous diet. Most such insects live on leaves, but many are omnivores. They need some meat in their diets. So, they hunt out other insects that have fallen victim to something or other. This little fellow (notice the forked cerci) is nibbling on a wasp that was trapped in a spider's web. I found them on the ground near the web.

The wasp was gone in under two minutes. I guess this guy was hungry. He was also smart; the stinger was eaten last as he attacked the abdomen and worked his way up and down. Though his teeth are tough enough to chew through the softened body of the wasp, he probably won't be able to chew through you. He might nibble if you pick him up, but he won't damage you.

Anyway, I also thought this was a cool shot, so enjoy!

Gladiator Katydid

2007-09-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

Nighttime Series Shot #2
Well, today I present a Gladiator Katydid hanging out on some White Sage. Though you can see these little fellers during the day, it's best to catch them at night. At night, they are much cooler and tend to stay calmer. They also come up higher in the grassy areas to feed. Therefore, you probably will catch a glimpse of them on top of some of the larger plants.

Gladiators are named so because of the pincer or fork-like protrusion (cerci in males)at the tip of the abdomen. Females have much longer ovipositors which look like swords and are nearly equal in length to the abdomen. Based on that, this one is probably a female. There are 18 species of Gladiator Katydids in North America alone. Identifications are made by close examination of the cerci on males.

Notice the sleek shine and the bright-green color. Even though it resembles a grasshopper, it has the longer, thinner legs of a katydid, and the hindwings extend much further than the forewings. The sound it makes is also close to a katydid in that it is a chirping click rather than a drone.

Scientific name:
Orchelimum gladiator

Common Whitetail Skimmer

2007-08-26T19:09:00.000-05:00

From the class Insecta, the order Ordonata, and the family Libellulidae, I bring to you the Common Whitetail Skimmer.

It's a dragonfly common to Missouri and seen almost every day during the summer months. They are called Skimmers because of their habit of skimming water and shallow grass. If you see them out in the woods and need water, this is a good sign that there's a stream somewhere within walking distance. However, you probably can't follow these guys to find it. They are quick and shy of people.

On top is the male, which is whitish blue and slightly larger than the female, which is dark brown and covered with lighter triangles underneath.

Scientific name:
Libellula lydia

Ecdysis

2007-08-26T00:51:00.000-05:00

Nighttime Series Shot #1
Sometimes you'll find some surprising things at night. So, today I introduce the first in a line of nighttime photographs. These'll include the things that are hidden to the daytime world. I hope you enjoy!

On this night I found a Cicada going through its Ecdysis cycle, or moulting cycle. When an arthropod moults, it sheds its exoskeleton for a newer version. Think of it as Windows 98 going to 2000, or something like that. Basically, the old shell is replaced and left behind on plants or buildings. This Cicada was found on a barn near my home. It's not technically out in the throws of nature, but it works as an example. You'll probably see more of these coming as I find a lot of neat things on buildings.

Don't worry, the flash shouldn't hurt the Cicada as the eyes are milked over to protect the sensitive eyes from the sun and other sources of light.

Anyway, here's a good introduction through Wikipedia on Ecdysis.

Hairy Ruellia

2007-08-21T23:08:00.001-05:00

Some wildflowers don't resemble their fieldbook counterparts for several reasons. In this case, it's due to some cutting in the area and the heavy rains which plagued most of southern Missouri during the early Summer.

This plant is usually taller with a thinner stalk, but the hairy, lanceolate leaves give it away once the flower is in full bloom. The light purple bell-shaped flower is deeper than its cousin, the Smooth Ruellia. However, it has a distinct look with five petals growing directly off the stem and close to the ground.

A lovely native, it has a slightly grassy smell with an acidic tinge.

Scientific name:
Ruellia caroliniensis

Bush Honeysuckle

2007-08-21T00:49:00.000-05:00

What we have here is a failure to exterminate.

Bush Honeysuckle, although a beautiful and attractive plant, is an invasive species in the United States. It was brought over from Asia years ago and swept across the country. It competes with native Honeysuckles and drives them out. The hardest part about describing various kinds of Honeysuckles through one picture is that there are subtle differences in each. For example, Bush Honeysuckle's only true determinate is its grand size. It is the largest of the creeping Honeysuckles and will quickly create a heavy fence or hedge row. It also dominates the landscape.

Other Honeysuckles will grow sparsely and are usually stouter. Also, the flowers of the Bush Honeysuckle are larger, but grow in fewer clumps. These flowers start out white and turn a slight orange-yellow after the Spring rains.

Though I haven't found any evidence that this plant is strictly banned in Missouri, it should be controlled through chopping, firing, or mulching. However, if it can be controlled, grow it cautiously. A better suggestion is to use native Honeysuckles.

The berries, which occur during the summer, are also bright red and mildly poisonous.

Scientific name:
Lonicera maackii

White Sage

2007-08-19T17:44:00.000-05:00

This soft, white, hairy native plant is an old favorite of the spicy shrubs. It's White Sage.

The distinct odor and color of this plant make it stand out in fields. It grows in patches which tend to look like soft, bluish-white ground covers.

This picture is a closeup of the Catkin, which is a soft cone of individual small flowers. This isn't the only flower-like protrusion the White Sage produces as there is larger cup-like flowers which blossom early in the season off of the same base. This is what is the flowers leave behind since there are few large-petal flowers that do bloom.

The leaves can be crushed to produce salad blends, mosquito repellents, poultices, and smokestack logs. The Native Americans used this plant to smoke their lodges in an incense before performing ceremonies. Today, people still collect the leaves, dry them, and put them in fireplaces to add flavor to the air. It's also an evergreen shrub, so it will be available year-round.

Scientific name:
Salvia apiana

Ironweed

2007-08-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

Like something out of a cowboy flick, this tall, slender plant comes marching down the prairie. It's Ironweed.

The native plant is seen throughout Missouri in many moist fields. The masses of purple heads and fluffy, purple flowers makes this plant stand out. The leaves are alternate, simple lanceolates. It grows up to 3-3 1/2 feet (~1m) tall.

Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees love this plant because it has plenty of nectar and pollen for them to suck up. At this time of year, the moths go crazy for it. If you're out at night, you can often find a resting moth on one of these plants.

Native Americans and even settlers used this plant for respiratory ailments, blood problems, and pain reduction. Apparently, a mixture of this plant and several others was enough to reduce birthing pains. But, unless you know how to prepare it, I don't recommend it.

Scientific name:
Vernonia altissima

P.S. I'm sorry for the delays this week. I have been working longer hours, and it's cutting into my computer time. I shall try to work up some pics this weekend to start faster updates. Thanks for your patience!

Jerusalem Artichoke

2007-08-13T17:25:00.000-05:00

Here we have yet another sunflower in my picture collection.

It's a Jerusalem Artichoke. Notice the many skinny rays and the tuft of anthered seeds. The JA is a large sunflower in that it reaches up to six feet tall. The large, alternate leaves shade the areas around it, making it much much cooler.

A curious fact about these plants is that not only are the seeds edible, but the tuber-like roots (notice the tuberosus) were once considered good fritters. I haven't tried them, but it sounds interesting enough.

You'll find these native plants in meadows and along stream banks. They like moist soil, but do alright in drier places.

Scientific name:
Helianthus tuberosus

Spearmint

2007-08-12T13:24:00.002-05:00

This is a typical wild salad additive. In small portions, it's great for complementing any meal. The smell, taste, and look are quite distinguishing. Like all mints, it has rough, opposite leaves with prickly edges. The veins run opposite as well. However, the flowers are in shorter layers than most other mints, and Spearmint branches several times.

The flowers form in the leaf base as small clusters. They smell remotely like chewing gum, which helps set them apart from other plants. The oils are considered toxic in concentrated quantities, so if you try it, don't eat too much. Just chew and spit. But, I only recommend this after proper identification. The same caution goes for all mints. Also, many mints hybridize in the wild where insects cross-pollinate the plants. Therefore, you might run into several plants that don't always meet a particular description.

This is a picture of the flower cluster before it blooms. After all of the rain we've had this past summer, the flowers are later than normal.

Oh, and although it's native to Europe, it is an established plant in Missouri. It has plenty of competition from other mints, so it won't overrun native species.

Scientific name:
Mentha spicata

High Clouds

2007-08-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

Except for that small part in Northwest Missouri from where the Martians come in , the whole state benefits from our atmosphere. Okay, it's a bad joke, and I know it.

However, the sky does play an important part in the state's natural habitats. So, today, I give you a picture of two types of high clouds. The small, spotty clouds are Cirrocumulus clouds. The wispy, delicate clouds are Cirrus clouds. Both form from six to 18 kilometers in the atmosphere(~5-15 miles). They rise so high due to the fast winds which develop above pressure systems.

These clouds precede weather changes -- mostly warmer air. So, you'll see them before and after storms. Occasionally, you'll see them between bouts of rain. In the case of the picture, these clouds were seen between rains that were lagged from a stabilizing air mass.

When you see Cirrus clouds alone in the morning, it usually means clear weather for you. But, you're friends to the east might get something. Cirrocumulus clouds alone can indicate developing cloud patterns and possible rain. Look for heavy, broad stratus clouds behind them and into the wind. If you see that, there's a good chance for a spotty rain shower.

One type of cloud alone cannot accurately predict the weather. It's the changes in clouds and the movements from high to low or low to high that help skywatchers win their bets.

Moth Mullein

2007-08-08T19:01:00.000-05:00

This particular plant comes in a few variations, but it changes based on the soil conditions and environment. The one pictured is on a graded hill in a semi-shaded area. It was shorter and smaller than usual, which made the identification harder.

Like other mulleins, it isn't native to Missouri, but it is established after a couple of hundred years. Immigrants brought this plant, likely accidentally, from Europe when they first settled the area in the early 1800s.

Moth Mullein is identified by the larger flowers with five petals. Each flower grows directly off the stalk with a short stem and involucre (collar-like back). There are few leaves on this slim plant.

Scientific name:
Verbascum blattaria

Roseate Skimmer

2007-08-07T19:01:00.001-05:00

This lovely dragonfly is common to most of North America, and luckily, isn't endangered. It is a quick adapter and emigrates to new places whenever its natural habitat is threatened.

I caught the pic of this guy after it was attacked by a larger, emerald darner. I think it's a guy because it's stouter than what a female would be, and it has a lighter abdomen.

Quite pretty, isn't it?

Scientific name: (species)
Orthemis ferruginea

Sassafras

2007-08-07T00:27:00.000-05:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

The plant in my header is a Sassafras tree. Yeup! By tarnation, it is. Well, with that out, I can sleep again at night.

Although it's mostly known for its fragrant wood, tea, root-beer flavoring, and potpourri, it is also a fairly strong and sturdy wood. Oh, and did I mention it's waterproof? The oil and sap which gives the wood its fragrant properties also makes the wood orange, springy, and, well, waterproof. In the Ozarks, this wood is harvested and whittled into small oars for kayaks. These oars are some of the best hand-made oars in the world.

Second only to the Osage Orange, Maclura pomifera, the Sassafras also makes some historically accurate bows, throw sticks, and walking sticks. It wasn't as popular to use this wood, but evidence shows it was used as for sacred instruments because of its identifiable smell.

The leaves are distinguished from other trees by their smooth, shiny look accented by the glove-like shape. If you hold your hand up with your fingers tight against one another, you'll have the general no-lobed shape, if you spread your fingers out like Spock, you'll have the general glove shape. The tree itself is short,stout, dwarfy, and notched with crevices. But, the smell gives it away.

It can be found across most of the state in shaded to well-lit areas, whether fields, woods, or wetlands.

Sassafras is also one of my favorite trees. ;)

Scientific name:
Sassafras albidum

Field Chickweed

2007-08-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

Today, I give you an example of how some wildflowers can be confused.

A couple of posts back, I posted an Evening Lychnis. Today, I am posting a Field Chickweed.

Note the similarities in the flowers. They both have cleft rays and a long calyx. Both are ivory white. Now, note the differences. The Lychnis sprouts out while the Chickweed wilts down. The Lychnis has short, claw-like anthers while the Chickweed has long, straight ones. Also, the Lychnis has a puffy calyx while the Chickweed's is smooth and skinny.

Chickweeds are widespread. For the most part, they stand erect. However, they will conform to the surroundings and sometimes crawl along the ground.

Scientific name:
Cerastium vulgatum

Woodland Sunflower

2007-08-02T18:02:00.000-05:00

A stereotypical sign of summer is the sunflower. Every field, woods, and roadside has them. Some are large, some are small, and some are just right.

This one is just right. It's the Woodland Sunflower. The flowers are about four inches wide and sprout off three split stems. I chose this picture over another to show you the layout of the plant. Notice the rough leaves (they are tough and hairy), stout, thin stalks, and the unbloomed flower off to the right. This pattern is common to the Woodland Sunflower and not to others. Therefore, it's readily identifiable in the state.

Scientific name:
Helianthus divaricatus

Evening Lychnis

2007-08-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

Good evening and welcome to August!
I welcome you with the Evening Lychnis. Though it's not native to the area, it's spread throughout the Ozarks and much of the rest of the United States. It's distinguished from similar plants by its puffy calyx sac, split-edge ray flowers, and sticky stem.

My field guides say this is found mostly in waste places, but I have found them in rich woods and alongside gardens. They thrive in semi-shaded areas with an adequate amount of rainfall.

This one was photographed right before the sun set. As you can see, it was still open.

Scientific name:
Lychnis alba

P.S.
I'm doing some site remodeling so if you have a suggestion, please leave it w/ the comments. Thanks!

Butterfly Weed

2007-07-31T23:31:00.001-05:00

This beauty is the reason butterflies exist. Well, okay, that's pushing it. But, it is a good way to bring them to your yard.

Butterfly Weed is a member of the same family as Milkweed. The long, alternate foliage is quite similar to Milkweed. The veins run up and down the leaves, making some interesting patterns when viewed up close.

The nectar of this plant is sweet and sticks to the hands. If you want to plant it in your yard, wait until it goes to seed in mid-fall and collect them then. You can count on this plant coming up the following year.

I have seen this confused with Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea); both have similar cradles of flowers. However, Indian Paintbrush belongs to the same family as the Snapdragon, has a thinner stalk, and stand in clusters of three, compared to the larger clusters flowers on the Butterfly Weed.

Scientific name:
Asclepias tuberosa

Cicada

2007-07-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

Disguised in folklore as the locust, the Cicada gets a bad rap.
The confusion comes from the folk-name given to the little Cicada years ago: the Seven-Year Locust.
Most of the readers know the Cicada for its lulling song which starts around dusk and ends when the night air begins to cool off. The song is featured in many movies, songs, and even in books. It represents the general outdoors, nature, freedom, and, ironically enough, silence.
This fellow was hanging out on a sprig of walnut which popped up in a field. This Cicada will probably shed its exoskeleton and fly off renewed in the morning. He's pretty well hidden from owls and bats, so I think he'll be fine. (I don't know if it's a he or a she, so I'm using the literary gender-neutral he to give personality.)

Anyway, if you can see it in the compressed picture, there is a touch of green, black, red, and gold in the shell.

To view the scientific information:
Cicadas on Wikipedia

Cyperus echinatus

2007-07-29T23:47:00.000-05:00

Welp, I can't find a common name for this, but it is a type of bur sedge. This one is common to the southern part of the state. However, it has been seen in the northern-most edges in small clusters.
It's also native to Missouri, keeps a low profile (1-1 1/2 feet), and hangs out in roadside prairies. It's prickly, stiff, and flowers in mid summer.
Oh, and those little balls are covered with small white flowers on each spike. I think it's a neat looking plant either way.
What do you think?

Scientific name:
Cyperus echinatus

Deptford Pink

2007-07-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

From the family of pinks, this little tot hangs out alongside rich woods and field edges.
It's considered a successful alien species, meaning it has become naturalized to the state. It is a small, quaint ray flower with spiky leaves around its base. This was one of the hardest plants to identify, because it has several close family members that linger around this time of year. Even when the rest of the plant is dry and cracking, the flowers will shine on for what seems like weeks. If you'll notice the background, some of the leaves on this plant are already turning brown.

Scientific name:
Dianthus armeria

Nodding Thistle

2007-07-28T00:09:00.000-05:00

Today, I give you a special treat. I'm going to add three stages of the biennial Nodding Thistle, or Musk Thistle as it is known in some areas.
This is not necessarily a rare plant, but an unusual plant in some places because it takes so long to germinate.
This first picture is of the bud. It looks, to me, like a shower head. This bend is what sets it off from other types of thistle.

This second picture is the flower. It is round, protrudes from the base bulb, and lasts just around a week.

This final picture is the flower after it has fizzled out. It is going to seed and will spread through the wind and birds.

Now, in the state of Missouri, the thistle is known as an intrusive species. It will take over fields, harm cattle, and ruin hay. In large quantities, it should be destroyed. However, it has settled in the wilderness and because of that, it should be included in these posts.
Alone, this plant isn't too intrusive, but it should still be watched.
It also has prickly leaves, a sticky sap, and a terrible smell when bruised. The flowers are pungent with a sickly sweet smell.
Beyond that, it's also pretty in a strange way.

Scientific name:
Carduus nutans

Look at it on Wikipedia:
Musk Thistle

Spiderwort

2007-07-27T00:21:00.000-05:00

Three symmetric lobed rays characterize this flower. The small terminal cluster of anthers in the center are also characteristic. Oh, and it grows all over Missouri.
So, that means you can go out and see it in your own yard. (Granted, you're in our grand state.)
Spiderwort's a native plant that grows alongside roads, good fields, and established yards. Usually, it's open in the mornings and closed by noon. If you catch it by the dawn's early light, you'll have a wonderful experience.
If you can't, just wait 'til it gets cloudy out, and it'll open up again.
Enjoy!

Scientific name:
Trandescantia virginiana

Chicory

2007-07-26T00:56:00.001-05:00

Chicory, chickory, or chickery... whichever.
This substantial alien lives alongside roads, wastelands, and in some of the fiercest soils around. You can cultivate this plant and keep it in your own gardens. Although it competes with the native plants, it's not intrusive. It will survive where others won't, but it also won't live where many native plants do. It's a good compromise. And, it adds to places where gardens are tough to get going.
This one was captured right after a light rain. If you get close, you'll smell the faint odor of bitter powder. Bees, butterflies, and birds love this plant.
It is a stalkless ray flower with a each set of flowers growing right off of the stem. It's around two feet tall on average, can be either blue or white, and is characterized by the long rays with roughly squared and frayed edges.

Scientific name:
Chichorium intybus

Blazing Stars

2007-07-19T23:05:00.001-05:00

If you've ever driven across the state of Missouri and found yourself in the middle of dry fields, you've probably seen these striking plants gracing your view.
Notice the tall head covered in small, purple flowers. The sheer amount of flowers helps this plant migrate over vast areas. The plant reaches up to five feet, which helps it to stand out over weedy brush.
The smell is faint, but when there are several hundred in a field, you can smell them as the wind whips across.
It goes by other names such as the Gay-Flower and Button snakeroot, which I had never heard before until I double-checked the entry in my book.

Scientific name:
Liatris spp.

Bumblebee

2007-07-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

This little guy isn't so little. He's as buff as they come.
The Bumblebee is a wonderful addition to any garden. Don't worry about swarms; there aren't enough in a small yard colony to cause much trouble. However, if you let them live in your yard, keep small children away. Any bee will defend itself from a close attack. In their defense, yes they are friendly.
During the summer, the numbers are usually up for breeding and honey production. Honey doesn't come in heavy supply from bumblebees, mainly because the nests are small and generally formed from mud holes in the ground. (Notice the terretris.)

Scientific name:
Bombus terrestris

Ox-Eye Daisy

2007-07-17T20:09:00.000-05:00

Due to the fact that this blooming delight is near the end of its season around Southwest Missouri, I chose this picture.
It's the Ox-Eye Daisy and takes root in roadsides, dry fields, and "waste lands." You can see this pretty baby anywhere in the state. It grows up to 3ft tall, but it will probably be knocked down due to its light stalk. The bright yellow disk flowers in the center and the white ray flowers on the outer edge make this stand out for its size. The leaves are around 2 inches long and are alternate. The smell is powdery.

Scientific name:
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum

Bee Fly

2007-07-16T23:15:00.001-05:00

They might be mistaken for bees. They might be mistaken for horse flies. They might be mistaken for blood-suckers of some sort, but they are harmless.
They are Bee Flies.
What are Bee Flies, you ask?
They are large, hairy flies with long proboscises (feeding organs that look like trunks). They suck pollen and sweets from flowers. You'll notice they don't fly around people like horse flies do. It makes them stand out among the big, scary-looking fly category.
This one here is enjoying the Black-eyed Susan I discussed in an earlier post. There are several different variants of this species, so I'll leave you with the family and order.

Family:
Bombyliidae
Order:
Diptera

St. John's Wort

2007-07-15T23:53:00.000-05:00

Though you might have heard all of the rumors about its unique healing properties, you might not have ever seen St. John's Wort.
This is an alien species to Missouri, but it has come to grow wild in the roadsides, wastelands, and dry fields of the Show-Me State. Though it grows wonderfully in bush-like masses, sometimes you'll find it alone, just like this plant here. The plants are notable for their long stamens and five distinct ray flowers. The petals are not opposites, and the great thin stem is speckled with short ray leaves. A central nerve runs up and down the stem and to each leaf. There's a sweet, honey-like smell that turns to something like ragweed after a heavy rain. It's difficult to describe, so I suggest finding it and smelling it for yourself. This is one example of a useful alien plant, unlike some which have been known to grow over telephone poles and bring down trees.

Scientific Name:
Hypericum perforatum

My Posts...

2007-07-15T00:04:00.000-05:00

I thought I could keep this updated regularly, but things are going slow. Keeping pictures in batch quantities on my computer isn't bad, but trying to go through them to find one pic that I think should go on the web is a headache.
Therefore, I'm going to be doing a lot of sorting come my next free day. Then, I'll have pictures ready for your approval everyday.

Until then, I will leave you with one new pic:

Japanese Beetles, June Bugs, May Bugs, or whatever you call them, they are non-native pests that eat fruits, leaves, and flowers that our native species need to survive. They are natives of Japan, where the birds and small animals keep them under control. Here, they can populate quickly with no natural enemies. Although they only come for a couple of weeks every summer, they do cause problems with tomatoes, corn, and other crops.
There are many ways you can control these bugs through traps and sprays. For more information, go to your local lawn and garden shop. Later, I'll get up some links to some more relevant sites. If you like them, they are pretty, taking on a usually copper color with green undertones.
This one is hanging out on some Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), which is also known as Queen Anne's Lace, nibbling up the sweet, potent pollen.

Scientific Name:
Popillia japonica

Honey Bee

2007-07-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

Honey bees are a delightful friend to have in the woods. This bee is hanging out on Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). They pollinate flowers, keep other bugs in check, and spread joy. Okay, so that's a stretch.
Anyway, this bee probably comes from a hive about a 1/4 of a mile away. I know, because I've seen it. Small or large, flowers will definitely bring bees to your area. And, if you have trees with pockets in them, bees could set up a home.

Scientific Name:
Apis mellifera

Passion Flower

2007-07-08T19:37:00.001-05:00

The Passion Flower is native to over 500 regions around the world. The most common variety to Missouri is known as Passiflora incarnata, which is a large, light-blue and purple variety. The leaves are around six inches wide and have three, sharply pointed lobes.
The one above has been chewed by milk bugs, but it will survive as the insects pollinate the flowers.
The stems are thin, and, in the fall, they give way to the Passion Fruit. The fruit is edible, but I don't recommend it unless you consult a book on exactly how to fix it.
A strong tea can also be made from the fruit and seeds. It's sold in stores as a sleep aid.
This is a beautiful, light plant that makes a wonderful addition to any Missouri fence row. It attracts butterflies. Go out and find it now!

Scientific Name:
Passiflora Incarnata

Black-eyed Susan

2007-07-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

The Black-eyed Susan is one of the most identifiable plants in the state of Missouri. However, people often don't think of planting it in their own yards. It can draw in useful bees, butterflies, and even small animals that feed on the stems.
The Black-eyed Susan can be used in many herbal brews and potpourris. Next time you're driving along, take a break and smell the flowers. This flower has a slight, but sweet, smell resembling fresh powder. They can grow up to 2 1/2 feet tall and are seen from mid-May to mid-October.

They are related to daisies.

Scientific Name:
Rudbeckia hirta

Poison Ivy

2007-07-07T01:23:00.000-05:00

Poison Ivy is a hazard that spreads its way across Missouri, especially in well-lit scrub brush areas near woods and open flat lands. It does well in wetter areas, but will flourish everywhere it can take root. The waxy look comes from the topical toxin which causes skin irritation. AKA, this is what bugs you the most.
While most varieties are smooth-grained, some have rough edges. It stands out due to its vibrant light- green color and three-leaf foliage.

Scientific name:
Toxicodendron radicans or formerly Rhus toxicodendron or Rhus radicans
(Thank you, Wikipedia.)
I also use several field books, but I don't have them on hand at the moment.

Welcome one and all!

2007-07-07T01:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog dedicated to Missouri wildlife, nature, and the general outdoors.
I'll keep it updated as much as I can; hopefully, that will be daily.
And, I'll keep you informed on all the important facts of my posts. (You'll see what I mean.) Oh, and if you have anything to add or correct, feel free to do so. It's a learning process!
Thanks,
Nate