Photos / Sounds
What
Rainbow Beetle (Tarpela micans)Observer
bferguson5Description
This beetle was found on a trail at Fairy Stone State Park. I am making an educated guess that this is an Ambrosia Beetle because it was found in the bark of a dead tree. The beetle looked black until the picture was taken, and then the color reflections showed. It was about an inch long. Help me out if you can!
Photos / Sounds
What
Section Morchella (Section Morchella)Observer
bferguson5Description
I stumbled upon this wild mushroom on a trail at Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart, Virginia. It was my first time seeing a Morel mushroom and I was very interested in capturing this beauty.
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Hemisphere Crayfishes (Superfamily Astacoidea)Observer
bferguson5Description
This crayfish was found in the creek at DeHart Park in Stuart, Virginia. It had a red tint to it and was very feisty. The temperature was in the high 60's and it was around 3:30 pm.
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Springtime Darner (Basiaeschna janata)Observer
bferguson5Description
It is hard to correctly identify this insect because of its position; however, I would guess that it is a dragonfly. It was sitting on the gas pump at Roberts Market Lighthouse Grille in Patrick Springs, Virginia on April 9th, 2017 around 7:00 pm.
Photos / Sounds
What
Northern Hemisphere Crayfishes (Superfamily Astacoidea)Observer
bferguson5Description
At about 4:40 pm, temp in the upper 50's, this crayfish was found next to a few rocks on the shore of the New River. The water was shallow at the time, and the crayfish was roughly two feet from the water. It tried to scatter away into the river; however, we scooped it up to observe. This critter was about 3 and a half inches long, and very active.
In the Eastern United States, "crayfish" is more common in the north, while "crawdad" is heard more in central and southwestern regions, and "crawfish" further south, although there are considerable overlaps.
Photos / Sounds
What
Violets (Genus Viola)Observer
bferguson5Description
This violet was found on the trail next to the New River around 5:30 pm on April 6, 2017. The temperature was in the low 60's. The ground was very moist from the rain the day before. The violet was by itself. The heart-shaped leaves helped me identify this plant. The leaves are roughly 2 inches long. Fun fact: Apparently, this flower can be used for food and medicine.
