For weeks we’ve been finding dried-up dead millipedes here at our new home, so we were pumped to finally stumble upon a live one! This giant millipede, narceus americanus, was living under a leaf-covered plastic bag buried deep in the mulch. The boys loved touching it and watching it curl into a tight protective ball.… Continue reading Giant Millipede Found in Backyard
Category: Critters
Viceroy Butterfly Hatching from Chrysalis
Yesterday, during one of our evening backyard games of kick-fly, we stumbled upon a monarch viceroy butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Needless to say, this stopped us in our tracks. We all watched as this minute-old insect slowly dried its beautiful wings and prepared to take flight. My mother-in-law taught me everything I know about… Continue reading Viceroy Butterfly Hatching from Chrysalis
Our Banana Spider of the Year
We love our resident banana spiders, and each summer we chart their progress as they move around in search of the perfect spot. Back in July, a giant female setup shop in a vast expanse of empty space near the marsh. She built her web about five meters above the ground and is still there… Continue reading Our Banana Spider of the Year
Tree Froggery
Ahhhhh, tree frogs and bokeh make for nice bed fellows…
A Mantis Among Us
This shot came from a set taken about 2 months ago, but I never posted it here. Not totally in focus, but still showing off some of the features that make mantises so sci-fi.
Red-shouldered Hawk on Daniel Island
The boys and I were wandering around Daniel Island today and bumped into this extremely tame red-shouldered hawk. It looked as big as a red-tailed hawk on-site (around 50 cm), but when I saw the photos I knew otherwise. His long yellow legs were the real giveaway, as well as the rusty breast. It is… Continue reading Red-shouldered Hawk on Daniel Island
Mister Mantis
We caught this male (I think) praying mantis sunning itself on our deck.
Blue Fly Friday
This brilliant blue fly was buzzing all around us the other day, and I couldn’t resist trying to capture it. I had no tripod, nor was I prepared to shoot a fast moving nervous fly, but I got this shot out of the 10 I fired off. You gotta love blue critters.
Ahhhhhh, Grasshopper
Hey, have a look at this dead, ant-filled grasshopper. Spiky legs!
Green Chunky Goodness :: The Io Moth
We found something amazing in our yard the other day, and it turned out to be an automeris io, or Io moth. This green spiked caterpillar eventually turns into a beautiful moth with giant circles on its wings that look like eyes. It’s common throughout the continent, but I’ve never seen one in all my… Continue reading Green Chunky Goodness :: The Io Moth