Pardosa sp. “Thin-legged Wolf Spider” Lycosidae, with young
Olympic National Park, WA
June 8, 2013
Robert Niese
Female wolf spiders spin an egg sac and attach it to their spinnerets, carrying around their
precious cargo until the spiderlings hatch and crawl onto her back. There, the babies will stay until they’re old enough to venture out into the world on their own.
Phyllophaga sp. “May Beetle” Scarabaeidae
Missoula, MT
May 18, 2014
Robert Niese
There are more than 400 species of Phyllophaga in the United States and Canada. Their identification requires an intimate investigation of… ahem… reproductive morphology, which is not something I’m dying to do today.
I’m off to have an adventure in Tanzania!
I’ll resume posting updates in February.
Until then, TTFN, ta-ta for now!
The waxing moon on December 29, 2014
Look at the craters! So neat!
Cercyonis pegala ”Common Wood-nymph” Nymphalidae
Missoula,MT
September 2, 2013
Robert Niese
Boisea trivittata “Box Elder Bug” Rhopalidae
Missoula, MT
October 8, 2014
Robert Niese
Box Elder Bugs are Acer specialists, feeding exclusively on the samaras (seeds) of various maple species. Box Elder Bugs tend to create massive congregations in sunny spots to keep warm while feeding and are often considered a nuisance in such large numbers – especially when the days become colder and they seek refuge in my bedroom! But overall, they’re totally harmless.
Mount Rainier from Tipsoo Lake
Chinook Pass, Mount Rainier National Park, WA
October 4, 2012
Robert Niese
(Those bushy, Dr. Seuss-like plants scattered throughout the foreground are the fruiting structures of Anemone occidentalis, a common and beautiful montane flower.)
Cabin with Glacier National Park in the background.
Polebridge, MT
June 20, 2014
Robert Niese
Antilocapra americana “Pronghorn Antelope” Antilocapridae, males
National Bison Range, MT
October 5, 2014
Robert Niese
Cervus elaphus “Wapiti” Cervidae, male
National Bison Range, MT
September 21, 2013
Robert Niese
The name “wapiti” comes from the Shawnee and it means “light-colored rump.” Elk found here in the PNW are arguably the same species as “red deer” found in Europe. They have been split and regrouped countless times by taxonomists.
Northwest Naturalist 