Common Whitetail Skimmer

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

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

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