Photos / Sounds
What
Holarctic Alderflies (Genus Sialis)Observer
krechols13Description
I found this many-legged critter by flipping rocks in a shallow creek. It was perhaps 3/4 inch long. At first I thought it might be a hellgrammite (larval dobsonfly), but now I'm not sure--the ID algorithm thinks it's a centipede, but I'm 90% sure that's not correct. I let it go back in the creek after I took my photos.
Photos / Sounds
What
Cambarid Crayfishes (Family Cambaridae)Observer
krechols13Description
I found this tiny baby crayfish by flipping rocks in a shallow creek. It was only about 3/4 inch long, and I can't get over the cuteness! After I was done with photos, I put it back in the creek where I found it. The ID algorithm has suggested genus Cambarus.
Photos / Sounds
What
Augochlorine Sweat Bees (Tribe Augochlorini)Observer
krechols13Description
This observation is for the bee, not the flower. A separate observation for the flower can be seen here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/204201252
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)Observer
krechols13Description
I don't think I've ever seen such a photogenic towhee in my life.
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Purple Cress (Cardamine douglassii)Observer
krechols13Description
Based on the suggestions from the algorithm, I think this might be Purple Cress, Cardamine douglassii.
Photos / Sounds
What
Purple Cress (Cardamine douglassii)Observer
krechols13Description
Based on the suggestions from the algorithm, I think this might be Purple Cress, Cardamine douglassii.
Photos / Sounds
What
Chickweeds (Genus Stellaria)Observer
krechols13Description
Taking the genus suggestion from the ID algorithm for now.
What
Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)Observer
krechols13Description
This cutie seemed to be investigating a tree cavity, perhaps as a potential nest site.
Photos / Sounds
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Common Whitlowgrass (Draba verna)Observer
krechols13Description
These flowers were quite tiny, only about 5 mm across. Taking the only species suggestion from the ID algorithm.
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What
Stonecrops (Genus Sedum)Observer
krechols13Description
This stuff was growing among a mat of moss around the base of a tree on the stream bank.
What
Dicots (Class Magnoliopsida)Observer
krechols13Description
Found this little thing growing out of a mat of moss covering the roots of a tree on the stream bank. The round part of the leaves was about half an inch across.
Photos / Sounds
What
Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)Observer
krechols13Description
This was about the third salamander I found by flipping rocks in the creek, but they were very fast swimmers, and all the others escaped before I could get photos! This little guy was perhaps 3 inches long including the tail. I scooped him out of the creek with a plastic takeout container, making sure to keep him covered with water at all times, and did not touch him directly. After I was done with photos, I released him back in the same spot where I caught him, and he swam back under a rock.
Tentative ID based on habitat, size/color, and comparison with other nearby salamander observations.
What
Stone Spider (Pardosa lapidicina)Observer
krechols13Description
Lots of these spiders were scurrying across the rocks in and around a shallow stream. The legspan was about 1 inch. The ID algorithm has suggested a few different wolf spiders.
Photos / Sounds
What
Crane Flies (Infraorder Tipulomorpha)Observer
krechols13Description
I found this strange squishy creature by flipping rocks in a creek. It was about 2 inches long, and the spiky/bristly end was the tail. It didn't sting, bite, or cause any skin irritation when I touched it.
I really have no clue what this critter is, and the ID algorithm doesn't seem to know either. Any ideas would be much appreciated!
What
Triton vert (Notophthalmus viridescens)Observer
krechols13Description
OODLES of these little dudes were floating and swimming in the pond. It was ridiculous.
What
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)Observer
krechols13Description
This frog was perhaps 3 inches long from nose to butt. The ID algorithm has suggested Green Frog or American Bullfrog.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mole Salamanders (Genus Ambystoma)Observer
krechols13Description
One among dozens of tiny larval salamanders in shallow pools in the woods. About 1.5 inches long.
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American Waterslaters (Genus Caecidotea)Observer
krechols13Description
About 1 cm long in a vernal pool alongside diving beetles, mosquito larvae, and larval salamanders.
What
Mole Salamanders (Genus Ambystoma)Observer
krechols13Description
The ID algorithm seems pretty confident this is an Ambystoma salamander, but I don't know how to ID them at this early stage.
Photos / Sounds
What
Tribe HydrophiliniObserver
krechols13Description
Lots of diving beetles were in the vernal pools in the woods. This one was about 5/8 inch long.
What
Tribe HydrophiliniObserver
krechols13Description
Lots of diving beetles were in the vernal pools in the woods. This one was about 5/8 inch long.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mole Salamanders (Genus Ambystoma)Observer
krechols13Description
Seen on a guided walk with the local Audubon Society. DOZENS of these little larval salamanders were visible in shallow pools next to the paved walking path. A few people said they were likely Marbled Salamanders, but I don't know how to ID them at this early stage.
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Oil Beetles (Genus Meloe)Observer
krechols13Description
Quite the chonker, over 1 inch long, crossing the road.