Nilgai

Feral ♂ Nilgai, Boselaphus tragocamelus

Native to India and Pakistan, Nilgai are the largest species of antelope with males able to reach weights up to 306 kg (674.6 lbs) and females weighing up to 213 kg (469.6 lbs). While the females and young males are a pale brown to yellow color, upon maturity the males gain a blue-grey coat for which the species gains its other common names of blue bull or blue cow. Although mating usually occurs from December to March, nilgai can breed all year and the females often bear twins. They consume a variety of browse and live in a variety of land types from grassy woodlands to the foothillls of the Himalayan Mountains. For better or worse, their suitable habitat also includes the scrublands of South Texas where they were introduce for hunting in the 1930s and have since established a sustainable population. As of 2001, their estimated population in India was approximately 100,000, but with few extending into Pakistan. The estimated nilgai population in Texas is approximately 37,000 in the ranches with few estimations on the feral population.

Note: This is possibly the last post of the year. If I have another good End of Year video from Google like last year, I will upload that, but if not, this is it for now, and I'll see you next year!

Holidays (Hiatus)

A young Green Anole

There will be no post today. With a busy holiday season coming up, I will do a last post on either Thursday or next Tuesday depending on my schedule.

White-tailed Deer

♂ White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus

White-tailed deer inhabit the majority of North America from southern Canada down to Bolivia. They can be found in many habitats including woodlands, farmlands, streams, thornbrush deserts, gardens, and lawns. While they may be seen during the day, they are mostly nocturnal, but they do most their feeding during the crepuscular hours, dawn and dusk. Only the male bucks grow antlers which are used during mating season, rut, to spar with other males. The females, does, give birth once a year to one to three young. It is important to know that while many times the young fawns are seen alone, the mother has not abandoned them, but visits only during certain hours so as to not attract predators to the helpless fawn. White-tailed deer are herbivores feeding on a wide variety of plants including Eastern redbud, Shumard oak, trout lilies, blazing star, Virginia creeper, sugar hackberry, white mulberry, green ash, chinkapin oak, bur oak, silver maple, redstem filaree, smooth sumac, Texas kidneywood, fragrant honeysuckle, American beautyberry, sweet white clover, and violet wild petunia. Most white-tailed deer only live 2 to 3 years, but there are records of some living up to 20 years.

Feral Hogs

Feral Hog, Sus scrofa, in South Texas

While feral hogs can be found throughout much of North America, including Hawaii, it is estimated at least half are located in Texas alone. Current estimations put their population to upwards of around 8 million hogs which cause about $1.5 billion in annual damage and control costs. In addition to the damage caused by feral hogs, they spread a variety of diseases that can affect people, livestock, wildlife, and local water supplies. Feral hogs, not to be confused with the native collared peccary, were first introduce to the mainland in 1539 by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. These bred with free-ranged domestic swine and Eurasian wild boars that were introduced years later which has led to variations in appearance and their common name. Feral hogs are capable of breeding before one year of age, may have up to two litters a year with an average size of four to fix, but with reports of up to twelve, and can live on average four to five years and upwards to eight years. These factors in addition to their higher intelligence makes population control extremely difficult. Trapping with preference for guillotine gates and year round hunting are current measures used to try and control the feral hog population, but their range continues to expand.

Note: There is currently no evidence of feral hogs breeding with the resident warthog population.

Texas Horned Lizard

Texas Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma cornutum

The Texas Horned Lizard is the most common horned lizard within Texas, but it is a threatened species. While once found throughout most of Texas, it is nearly gone from the eastern third of the state. It can be distinguished from the other two species of horned lizard found within the state by its prominent horns, the two center spines longer than the others, and by the two rows of fringed scales along the sides of the body. While sometimes known as a horny toad due to their toad-like body, they are actually a species of lizard. They will inflated their body when frightened adding to their toad-like appearance, but this is a prelude to its most famous defense: squirting up to 1/3 of its volume of blood out of a pore near its eye.

Texas Horned Lizard at Laguna Atascosa.

Texas Horned Lizards feed on a variety of arthropods, but the majority of their diet, up to 90% of it, is composed of harvester ants. As with many species, there seems to be a number of factors contributing to the decline of Texas Horned Lizards, some of which are more directly tied to harvester ants. These include pesticides reducing harvester ant populations and prolonged periods of extreme drought causing harvest ants to become dormant which, as a major source of food, impacts Texas Horned Lizards. In addition, as horned lizards often bask on gravel and pavement, there is likely an increase of roadkill with the increase of roads, and the number of potential predators, especially feral animals, has likely impacted Texas Horned Lizards. The pet trade also has had a major impact in past. Legislation within Texas and Oklahoma has resulted in the Texas Horned Lizard being protect by law. There is also more awareness of their population thanks to projects like Texas Horned Lizard Watch and encouragement from the Oklahoma Wildlife Diversity Program to report sightings and other observations of Texas Horned Lizards.

Greater Short-horned Lizard

Greater Short-horned Lizard, Phrynosoma hernandesi

The Greater Short-horned Lizard is one of three species of horned lizards found within Texas, one of eight species found within the United States, and one of twelve species within North America. In Texas, it is best distinguished physically from the other two by its shorter horns, heart-shaped head, and single row of scales fringing its body. While limited in Texas to western portions and higher elevations, the Greater Short-horned lizard ranges along the range of the Rocky Mountains and up into Canada. They are an insectivore, eating a wide variety of invertebrates, including harvest ants, but without it make up most of its diet unlike its Texas Horned Lizard cousin. Although they were once thought common, their population has made a noticeable decline. A lack of study and poor survey coverage unfortunately leave their true population status as unknown.

Travel (Hiatus)

Animation of wind gusts near Amarillo, TX.

I have been doing plenty of work-related travel these past few weeks. Sometimes I'm successful at finding time for a post, but as last week demonstrated, not always. This week does not look better. Fortunately, next week I think I'll finally be able to continue again. I have two post I've been planning to do for a while on some awesome Texas lizards. So please bear with me and check back next week. If you are on Google+, I am still decently active on there for non-blog posts and commenting. For now, enjoy a picture of some gusty winds last week in the Texas Panhandle.

Honey Mesquite

Honey Mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa

Honey mesquite is a small, thorned tree of up to 9.1 m (30 ft) in height native to the southwestern states down into Mexico. Within Texas it is one of the most widely distributed trees, tolerant of heat and shade when established and able to grow in sandy and clay soils. It is also very effective at surviving fires with new growth from either buds within the crown or else from underground buds on the nitrogen-fixing roots if damage is severe. Honey mesquite blooms fragrant white or yellow flowers from February through September which become long bean pods as early as late summer.

Honey mesquite in the scrublands of South Texas.

While mesquite is not a favorite of ranchers due to the livestock harming thorns and difficulty of removal, they have played a vital role as a source of food for many native tribes. The large yields of bean pods in late summer, even in drought prone regions, were dependable, and mesquite often grows in groves with an average lifespan of less than 100 years, but with records of up to 172 to 217 years old. The green pods can be boiled to create a syrup or, green or ripe, the pods can be consumed straight, although the fibrous pulp is discarded. More often, the ripe pods are ground into a meal or flour with a flavor comparable to caramel. In addition to food, the juices from the leaves were used as an antacid and to treat irritation, and the wood was used by the Navajo to construct bows. While not as highly regarded now, with exception for use of the wood for cooking, honey mesquite does offer food for wildlife in the form of nectar and bean pods as well as shade where there otherwise would be none.

Another Hiatus

South Texas Scrubland

Until I figure out a more normal schedule, please bear with me and these post-less days! There will likely be a post on Thursday as it's mainly Tuesdays that end up as long days.

Harvester Ants

Entrance to a colony of Harvester Ants, Pogonomyrmex spp.

Harvester Ants are large ants within the genera Pogonomyrmex or Ephebomyrmex with habitats west of the Mississippi with only one exception. There are 12 species found within Texas with the Red Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus being the most widespread. In addition to their large size, harvester ants can be identified by their conspicuous mounds in open areas. Grass around the nest is generally cleared, pebbles line the entrance, and foraging trails are often obvious.

Foraging trail of a harvester ant colony.

While harvester ants have a nasty sting, their primarily seed feeders, but will sometimes collect dead insects. They have characteristic large heads and powerful jaws used to carry food and crack seeds. The bounty gathered is stored in neat stacks within any number of sorting chambers up to 1.8 m (6 ft) underground. As with many ant species, harvester ants are social. There is a single queen who may live up to 15-20 years, but when she dies, she is not replaced. The fertile males and females leave the colony to reproduce while sterile females remain as workers with a lifespan of up to 1 year. During that year the young workers mainly fill roles keeping them inside the nest such as nest maintenance, while the older workers are more likely to fill roles taking them outside such as foraging and patrol. Their most well-known predator is the horned lizard whose diet is up to 65% harvester ant. Unfortunately, competition with imported fire ants and indiscriminate use of insecticides are reducing the number of harvester ants who already face the difficulty of a 1% success rate of new colonies.

Flooding (Hiatus)

It's been a long day of work, but as almost always when not doing a normal post, I'll at least leave you with a photo or two of some sort and of something that I won't otherwise talk about. If you've heard the news, Texas has been getting some massive flooding again all over the state from far north to far south. Many places have seen over 46 cm (18.11 inches) of rain, some over a day and some within a couple of hours.

Many of the crop fields look more like rice patties down in the south and some of the roads are only now opening after days and days being underwater. Some places have been almost completely cut off. You don't always have to be from the area to be impressed and in awe of what nature might bring you.

American Alligator

American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis at Laguna Atascosa.

One of only two species of Alligator, the other found in China, the American Alligator thrives in the water of southeastern states from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. While most often found within the freshwater of slow-moving rivers, alligators can also be found in swamps, marshes, and lakes. They are carnivorous, reach maturity when reaching 1.8 m (6 ft) in length, and are recorded to live around 50 years in the wild and up to 80 years in captivity. The sex of hatchlings is based on the temperature of the nest with all being males if temperatures are 33.8°C (93°F), all females if at 30°C (86°F) or below, or a mix of both if the nest temperature falls between. With the help of state and federal protection, habitat preservation efforts, and a reduced demand for alligator products, the American alligator has gone from an endangered species to a thriving population of over one million as of present day.


Note: Apologies for the lack of post on Tuesday! It was not intentional, but rather an honest mistake of exactly what day it was (not Monday, as I kept thinking). Don't worry, I'm good now! ;) 

American Beautyberry

American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana

American Beautyberry is a perennial, many-branched deciduous shrub found within the southeastern United States down into Mexico and the West Indies. It is one of approximately 135 species of Callicarpa found throughout the world, but American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is the only species native to the United States. American beautyberry can grow up to 2.7 m (9 ft) in favorable conditions of partial shade and moist soil, but averages 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) and is drought tolerant. The pale pink flowers become trademark bright, iridescent purple berry clusters along the stems from autumn into winter, though it should not be confused with the unrelated smaller-leafed coralberry. The berries are a favorite of many species of birds and mammals and can be made into a jam for human consumption. Native Americans used the roots, leaves, and berries to treat rheumatism, fevers, malaria, dysentery, and colic, but one of the most interesting aspect of beautyberry that has gained it attention is its potential as an effective insect repellent.

Early 20th century farmers helped bring American beautyberry to light as they would crush the leaves and place them under the harnesses of their horses and mules to repel biting flies and mosquitoes. In addition, about 20 other species of Callicarpa have reported *ethnobotanical and ethnomedical uses, especially in China and South Asia. They were similarly used for digestion, fever, and rheumatism as well as for hepatitis, skin cancer, intestinal cancer, to regulate fertility, and as a fish poison. In evaluating different species of Callicarpa for biological activity, researchers discovered antibacterial, antifungal, anti-insect growth, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic activities. Amino acids, benzenoids, simple carbohydrates, lipids, diterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes have been detected or isolated. In Callicarpa americana specifically, the essential oils are reported to have antialgal and phytotoxic activities, many of which contribute to the mosquito bite-deterrent activity first reported. Three compounds in particular, callicarpenal, spathulenol, and intermedeol, show significant repellent activity – spathulenol from Japanese Beautyberry, Callicarpa japonica and callicarpenal and intermedeol from American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana.

Callicarpenal and intermedeol have been extensively studied in their repellent activity. Both compounds have shown significant bite-deterring activity against the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and a malaria-vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, show promise against the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, and the Cayenne tick, Amblyomma cajennense, and are being evaluated against red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, black imported fire ants, Solenopsis richteri, and a hybrid of the two species. Against I. scapularis, callicarpenal and intermedeol showed significant repellent activity equal with Deet, but against A. americanum, Deet and SS220 were less effective compared to callicarpenal and intermedeol. A low concentration of both were effective against both imported ants and the hybrid of the species, but intermedeol showed significantly greater repellency.

While studies are promising, effective isolation and production of these compounds is an obstacle. For callicarpenal, dry biomass results in a low isolation yield of 0.05-0.15%. The tedious bulk isolation and purification techniques substantially restricts the natural availability, but there is hope. One particularly efficient enantioslective synthesis of (-)-callicarpenal proceeds in 12 steps, results in a 36% overall yield from diketone, and utilizes readily available materials and reagents. In addition, studies have shown the chemical structure of the parent molecule can be simplified without significant loss of activity. Similar synthesis studies have been conducted on intermedeol and spathulenol.

American beautyberry and others of the Callicarpa genus hold promise for a range of purposes, but there is still research to be done. While it has potential for a great variety of biological activities, it has currently drawn the most interest in its insect repellent properties. It may be years or decades until it becomes available for commercial use and an effective alternative to other repellents, but it is very likely that day will come. Until then, American beautyberry makes for a lovely shrub in many yards, forests, and plains.


This post is a direct copy-and-paste from my Google+ post here including references and other links. While normally I'd embed the links, current internet limitations will leave them as are below. 


Sources and Further Reading:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Callicarpa americana
http://goo.gl/2vo0RL (Native Plant Database | website)
American Beautyberry: Callicarpa americana
http://goo.gl/iLXQfo (USDA Plant Fact Sheet | pdf)
Wildlife Resources Management Manual: American Beautyberry
http://goo.gl/GmVChj (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | pdf)
Biologically Active Natural Products of the Genus Callicarpa
http://goo.gl/aNF44j (NCBI PMC | website)
Callicarpenal and Intermedeol...
http://goo.gl/pMHjfP (ACS Symposium Series | website)
Repellency of two terpenoid compounds from Callicarp americana...
http://goo.gl/qIM4II (NCBI PMC | website)
Repellency of callicarpenal and intermedeol against…
http://goo.gl/u0iozx (NCBI PMC | website)
Synthesis of (-)-callicarpenal, a potent anthropod-repellent
http://goo.gl/g6kdwS (NCBI PMC | website)

Texas Lantana

Texas Lantana, Lantana urticoides

Texas Lantana, also known as Calico Bush, is a spreading, perennial shrub native to the southern states. It blooms intermittently from April through October, especially during the warmer months, with clusters of red, orange, and yellow flowers, although some cultivars include blooms of purple, white, or only red. While able to grow in poor soil and in need of little maintenance, it prefers full sun. Butterflies and hummingbirds use the nectar of the flowers while other birds prefer the berries.

Pigeonberry

Pigeonberry, Rivina humilis

A native perennial that can reach heights of 0.3 m (1 ft), Pigeonberry is found from the southern states into tropical South America. It blooms with small, pinkish flowers intermittently from March through October. The red berries that follow are a favorite food of many birds and can sometimes be seen alongside the flowers. Pigeonberry tolerates shade and a wide variety of soil types. While drought tolerant, extreme drought may cause it to go dormant until the next rainfall.

Gulf Muhly

Gulf Muhly, Muhlenbergia capillaris

Gulf muhly is a perennial native clump grass known for its striking pink and purple autumn blooms. It can grow between 0.5 m (1.6 ft) and 1 m (3.3 ft) with large, airy bunched seed heads making up half the height. It prefers sunny, sandy soil, but can tolerate many soil types and partial shade. Its native range includes the prairies, pine barrens, and open woodlands of the east coast down into Texas. Gulf muhly provides cover for wildlife and is known to attract ladybug beetles and other beneficial insects.

Brief Hiatus

Minnesota fog in the morning.

There will be no new posts this week, but they'll return next week! Stay tuned!

Update: Posts will continue on Thursday. Sorry for the delay! 
There will be no post until next week at the earliest.

Molting

Molting Cicada, Cicadoidea

How to Molt: General Guidelines
Follow this guide and you won't end up like this poor dead sap.

1. Find a nice, quiet spot upon noticing your exoskeleton has become a tad too tight. You will notice an increased rate of protein synthesis in your epidermal cells as hormones are soon released.

2. You’ll start to feel your epidermis separate from the old endocuticle which is known as apolysis. The name might concern you, but don’t worry – it’s a normal process of molting.

3. Don’t be alarmed by the digestive action of the molting fluid! A special lipoprotein will also be secreted and create the cuticulin laye* to protect you before that molting fluid becomes active.

4. The endocuticle of the old exoskeleton will be digested, but your hard work won’t go to waste! Everything will be recycled to form a new procuticle layer underneath your cuticulin layer.

5. Take a deep breath and go! The swelling will cause your old exoskeleton to split open and give you a chance at freedom. Be careful, though. It’ll take some time before your new, slightly larger exoskeleton hardens.

6. If you just gained your wings, congratulations! Remember to dry them properly or they'll just be decoration, especially those of you with delicate, folding wings. You'll fly soon enough!

 We wish you the best of luck and hope this guide has been helpful for all your molting needs. As long as you time it right and have a perfect chemical balance, you don’t need to fear getting stuck and dying. We’ll see some of you again next time. Until then, stay safe!

Brought to you by #ScienceSunday. All your science needs, every Sunday.


It's been a busy night, so here is an almost direct re-post of my earlier post on Google+ found here (with links external instead of embedded). Hopefully it'll suffice for tonight! 

Resh Cicada

Resh Cicada, Neotibicen resh

One of the loudest cicadas, the Resh Cicada, gets its common name for the mesonotum marking that looks like the upside-down Hebrew letter Resh. Formerly Cicada resh and Tibicen resh, it was first described by S. S. Haldeman in the appendix of the report Exploration and Survey of the Valley of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, Washington and is now known as Neotibicen resh. Within S.S. Haldeman's collection were seventy-six specimens identified as the species. Resh Cicada have a range that includes Alabama to the western extremes of Texas. The voiceless females will lay their eggs in twigs. After hatching, the juveniles burrow into the soil until they emerge more than a year later. The adults feed on oak sap while the juveniles consume the tree roots underground. Resh cicadas are partial to various oak species, especially live oaks.

Oil Beetles

Oil Beetles, Meloe spp.

Within the blister beetle family, oil beetles get their common name from the yellow, oily liquid when threatened. There are 22 names species within North America and close to 150 species worldwide. They are most often found on the ground or in low foliage. The larvae feed on eggs within bees' nests.

Violet Wild Petunia

Violet Wild Petunia, Ruellia nudiflora

Violet Wild Petunia is an erect perennial found in a handful of southern states. It grows up to 0.6 m (2 ft) with lavender trumpet-shaped flowers which last only a single day. It is of the genus Ruellia within the Ancanthus family, not to be confused with the cultivated petunia of the genus Petunia of the Solanaceae family. Violet Wild Petunia blooms from April through October, both growing and spreading easily which may cause issues in some areas, especially as it can tolerate shade. It is a larval host for many butterflies including common buckeye, Cuban crescentspot, Fatima, Malachite, and White Peacock butterfly, and it is a common nectar source for many other butterflies. White-tailed deer consume the leaves while bobwhite quail will eat the seeds.

Sachem

Sachem, Atalopedes campestris

Sachem are small grass skippers reaching only up to 4.2 cm (1.6 in) with wingspan. The males are yellow-orange on the upperside while females are usually very dark with distinct yellow spotting. While the adults feed on the nectar from a variety of flowers including milkweed, buttonbush, thistle, aster, dogbane, and sunflower, the caterpillar live off grasses including Bermuda grass, Dallis grass, crabgrass, and goosegrass.

Sachem perched on car door.

Sachem are often found in the southern states down into Mexico, but may stray as far north as southern Canada during autumn migration. In recent years, their range has expanded further north and emerging earlier in the spring. They typically have three broods a year, but may have up to five broods in its more southern range. They can be seen breeding in mowed lawns and other open areas.

Narrowleaf Gumweed

Narrowleaf Gumweed, Grindelia lanceolata

Known as Narrowleaf Gumweed, Spiny-toothed Gumweed, or Fall Gumweed, it can be found blooming between the months of June and October. This native biennial is often found in limestone or rocky prairies along the eastern and southern portions of the United States. They can grow up to 1 m (3 ft) with a stem clad in narrow, lanceolate leaves with bristled teeth along the margins. The bracts of gumweed are slightly sticky hence its common name.

Tarantula Hawks

Tarantula Hawk, Pepsis spp.

Tarantulas are the heaviest spider by weight, but that doesn't deter one of its main predators: tarantula hawks. These large wasps, most often referring to the genus Pepsis, look similar with iridescent blue-black bodies and orange or red wings. They are best known for hunting tarantulas, sometimes even seeking them within their burrows, although the technique can differ per species. A tarantula that is caught is paralyze, dragged to a burrow dug earlier by the wasp, and drop in. A tarantula hawk egg is laid on the still paralyzed tarantula which is now destined to become the first meal of the larvae, unless the egg never hatches and the tarantula can recover from the venom. Tarantula hawks are otherwise known to be docile, similar to tarantulas, with a diet primarily of nectar. While their sting is reported to be "traumatically painful" and debilitating, tarantula hawks are not known to show unprovoked aggression towards humans.

Technical Difficulties

A Minnesota summer sunrise.

Unfortunately, some technical difficulties will prevent a post for today, but there should be one on Thursday. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Land of 10,000 Lakes

One of the many lakes of Minnesota. (Click to enlarge)

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 lakes, but truly consists of more: approximately 11,842 lakes. The largest lake, discounting border lakes such as Lake Superior, is Red Lake which is 1,168.7 km² (288,800 acres). The actual geography of Minnesota is largely a result of  glaciation, especially during the Quaternary period from 2 million years ago to the present.

The Laurentian Ice Sheet, where now lies the Hudson Bay, had glaciations named for each geographic region: Nebraskan, Kansan, Illinoisan, and Wisconsin. Markings of these glacial events can still be seen in parts of Minnesota today in the form of striations and grooves within the ground, the irregular hilly deposits from end moraine, the high terrace created by ancient rivers, exposed bedrock, and the finely textured silt of loess found in the prairie soils. It is the geographic history that helps create the beauty and unique lands within the state of Minnesota.

Sweet White Clover

Sweet White Clover, Melilotus alba

Sweet White Clover was originally brought from Eurasia to North America as a forage crop, but it escaped cultivation and quickly spread across the continent. While it is most common in disturbed sites, it can also be found in high grade habitats. In addition, fire disturbances can result in explosive growth of sweet white clover, not only by creating good growing conditions, but by also scarifying and stimulating germination. It can efficiently degrade grassland communities by shading native species as it can grow up to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall. Each plant can produce up to 350,000 seeds which are viable for up to 81 years after storage, but it is unknown with environmental conditions, and of those in storage, only 0.6% were viable. While sweet white clover is visited by honeybees, native solitary bees, wasps, and flies, it can self-pollinate. The tap root may reach depths of 1.2 m (4 ft) within the first year and up to 1.7 m (5.5 ft) within the second year. Many species do consume sweet white clover including deer, elk, livestock,  cottontails, waterfowl, and song birds but grassland bird species richness in nonnative grasslands was lower than native grasslands. Prevention of spreading, establishment of perennial vegetation, herbicides within the first year, and frequent mowing are all methods of controlling sweet white clover with relative success.

Pipevine Swallowtail

Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor 

Pipevine Swallowtails are a species of butterfly found within the southern states and into southern Mexico. They prefer open woodlands and meadows, flying primarily in late spring into summer, but may be found in fall or year round in its far southern range. The adults feed solely on nectar including thistles, azaleas, buckeye, lantana, and lupines.

Eggs of a Pipevine Swallowtail on White-veined Dutchman's Pipe.

The common name comes from the host plant for the caterpillar: pipevines of the Aristolochia family which include wooly pipevine, white veined Dutchman's Pipe, Virginia snakeroot, and California pipevine. The toxic aristolochic acids within the plant are sequestered resulting in both caterpillars and adults to be poisonous. Up to 20 red, circular eggs may be laid on the young, tender shoots of pipevine.

Black phenotype caterpillar of Pipevine Swallowtail in 28°C (82°F).

While the caterpillars may initially feed in groups, they scatter as they grow to feed on the more mature leaves of the pipevine. When they are ready to pupate, they find somewhere a ways away from their host plant. The caterpillars are black with red projections and spots along the back, but they are affected by temperatures resulting in shading from black to red as it warms.

Red phenotype caterpillar of Pipevine Swallowtail in 40°C (104°F) weather.

Typically, black caterpillars are found in the southeast and California while red caterpillars are more common in western Texas and Arizona. The presence of the red phenotype increases in other areas as the growing season progress and daily temperatures increase, especially at temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Caterpillar found in Texas were specifically found to be more tolerant of higher temperatures than those found in other regions, specifically California.

Diaspores

Foxtail (Diaspore)

There are numerous types of seed dispersal methods within the plant kingdom. One such method is through a diaspore, a unit that consists of seed and additional tissue to help with dispersal. While these may be found with fruit, common in plants dispersed by frugivores, another commonly seen diaspore is known as foxtail, or spear grass. As the common name implies, it can be harmful, or even fatal, to livestock and pets due to its sharp structure. Foxtail itself refers to a number of grasses, some with a fanning structure and others with a cone shape. Control of foxtail is important in pastures.

Hoverflies

Hoverfly, Syrphidae

Hoverflies are true flies, Diptera, belonging to the family Syrphidae, and with another common name of flower flies. While many have similar coloration to bees and wasps, they have only a single pair of wings which cannot fold similar to a bee when still. There are 813 known species within North America, and near 6,000 species known worldwide. Overall, hoverflies mainly feed on the nectar and pollen of various plants as adults, but act as predators while dull green, legless larvae. They play an extremely important role as aphid predators while larvae, rivaled only by ladybird beetles and lacewings. It is reported they may control between 70-100% of an aphid population when there are plentiful hoverfly larvae. In addition, hoverflies are also known to be important pollinators. They are mainly active during spring and summer, but in the warmer states can be found all year.

Field Bindweed

Field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis

A member of the morning glory family, Convolvulacae, field bindweed is the bane of many gardeners and states. The perennial was introduced from Eurasia in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most difficult noxious weeds to remove. Field bindweed has an extensive root system which is its main propagation method. The roots may reach depths of up to 6 m (20 ft) which makes hand pulling ineffective and requires multiple applications of herbicides over years for a higher chance of eradication. It is highly drought tolerant and the seeds are viable for up to twenty years with some reports of sixty years. In addition to being a strong competitor against native plants, bindweed will climb and twine around other plants, potentially choking them out of the area.


Time to get back to posting! The next handful of posts will be things I ran across while in Minnesota. Unfortunately, though it is the Land of 10,000 lakes, my time there was limited almost exclusively to work, but I managed to gather a few nature-related photographs for sharing.

Extended Hiatus

Due to a busy schedule, there will be no posts for the next four weeks (or more). I'll do my best to get things going again towards the end of July so please stay tune and check back later!

American Beautyberry

American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana

American Beautyberry is a native shrub that grows in the southeastern United States. It averages 1.5 m (5 ft) in height, but in favorable conditions of part shade and moist soil it may grow up to 2.75 m (9 ft) in height. The shrub is most recognizable in autumn and winter with yellow-green foliage and clusters of iridescent purple fruits along the branches, a favorite and long-last fruit for songbirds, foxes, opossums, raccoons, armadillos, deer, and squirrels. American Beautyberry has an extensive ethnobotanic history by many Native American tribes for dizziness, stomachaches, dysentery, urine retention, and more. It, as well as others in the genus Callicarpa, have been extensively researched for antibacterial, antifungal, anti-insect growth, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic biological activities. Two terpenoid compounds of are particular interest as an insect repellent against mosquitoes, ticks, and fire ants.

Living Stones

Living Stones, Lithops spp.

Native to the dry, southern regions of Africa, Lithops is a genus of succulent that has taken a lesser known defense against herbivores: fading into the background. These plants are also known as Living Stones for their ability to blend in to their environment. Their appeal is heightened for herbivores during the long, dry season as the leaves of Lithops and others in the family Aizoaceae are adapted to hold water. With only two very succulent leaves, it is of greater important to prevent predation.

The particular genus Lithops was first discovered in 1811 by Thomas Burchell. Its ability to blend in almost fooled Burchell who originally thought the plant a curiously shaped pebble. No other part of the plant is exposed to the surface.

The peculiarity of the leaves goes beyond appearance. The actual photosynthetic tissue is located on the inner surface of the leaf. In order to reach the tissue, sunlight travels through what is known as windows. These transparent sections allow light striking it to be diffused by crystals of calcium oxalate to allow maximum exposure to the photosynthetic tissue. The gas exchange of the plant occurs underground so the stomates are not exposed to wind or sun allowing minimal water loss.

Unfortunately, the bizarre appearance and unique characteristics of Living Stones has made them popular with collectors. Many species have been driven to the verge of extinction by collectors. They are now protect by law, but ones grown from seed or other lawful means are available in nursery and gardening centers.

This is a direct copy of my earlier post on Google+ found here. The photo is one from a local nursery - I've not had an opportunity to find these in the wild yet! There will be no posts next week, but will resume (likely briefly) the week after. It's a busy time of year for me, but I'm doing my best :)

Hiatus

A long, busy day. There will be a post on Thursday which will be a rehash of my Sunday post on Google+. The next week will be played by ear, but regular posting will likely not resume until the week after, but it will resume :)

Indian Blanket

Indian Blanket, Gaillardia pulchella

Indian Blanket, also known as Firewheel, is a native annual found in the throughout most of the United States, especially the southwest, with introduction to parts of Canada and Alaska. It is drought and heat tolerant and adaptable to well-drained soil, sun, and part shade. While it blooms between May and August, it is short-lived, but it may flower longer with plentiful rains.

Field of Indian Blanket and highly invasive Queen Anne's lace

Indian Blanket is sought for sand dune reclamation sites and for roadside and meadow planting. It is also a competent native competitor to the invasive annual bastard cabbage. Not only has over-sowing Indian Blanket been shown to reduce productivity of the invasive species, but it is also a way to help eliminate environmental damage from standard control techniques.

Floodplain

Panorama of water within and heading to the floodplains.

"The plants in a floodplain slow the floodwaters and prevent much damage downstream. The deep clay soils here store water, reducing flooding. Without intact floodplains, rivers, streams, and the land around them suffer increased erosion and more damaging floods."

Simply put, a floodplain is an area of land prone to flooding. It is often flat with higher elevation on both sides and may be either very small or very large. While it can be a problem for houses build on floodplains, they play an extremely important role. The floods that occur carry sediment rich in nutrients past banks and into surrounding areas. This in turn makes for fertile land ripe for agriculture and is where some of the world's earliest civilizations arose.

Rather than be labeled as an aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem, some ecologist label floodplains as "pulsed" ecosystems - an intermediate habitat. With exception to extreme events, the "pulse" and reach of a floodplain can be predicted. The flat, fertile, predictable land is therefore considered ideal for building, but often at the cost of the health of the floodplain.

There are six criteria used to determine floodplain health:
1. The ecosystem supports habitats and viable native animal and plant populations similar to those present prior to any disturbances.
2. The ecosystem is able to return to its pre-existing condition after a disturbance, whether natural or human-induced.
3. The ecosystem is able to sustain itself.
4. The river can function as part of a healthy basin.
5. The annual flood pulse "connects" the main channel to its floodplain.
6. Infrequent natural events - floods and droughts - are able to maintain ecological structure and processes within the reach.

A healthy floodplain results in a healthy river. It is also important to understand when developing on a floodplain. Otherwise the result benefits no one.


This is a straight copy-and-paste from my post a few weeks back on Google+ which can be found here along with many, many more photos of the actual floodplain and damage at that time. The photos are from a week before even more, worse flooding. Those photos might come later as the area is currently underwater and unavailable for photographing.

Rough Green Snake

Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus

The Rough Green Snake is a relatively common snake found throughout the southeastern portion of the United States and northern Mexico. They can grow up to 81 cm (32 in) in length, but are rather slim. As an arboreal species, it can often be found foraging in dense vegetation or climbing branches along forest edges, especially near bodies of water. When laying eggs, rough earth snakes will seek out tree hollows, cavities under rocks, or other moist areas. They do not remain with the eggs. The main diet of a rough green snake consists of invertebrates including spiders, crickets, and grasshoppers.

Moth Mullein

Moth Mullein, Verbascum blattaria

Moth Mullein is a biennial native to Eurasia that was introduced to the eastern United States in the early 1800s and has since spread westward. It has naturalized throughout most states and large portions of Canada, and is considered a noxious, invasive weed and resides on the state invasive list for Colorado. With a preference for highly disturbed areas which includes pastures, vacant lots, roadsides, meadows, and open fields, moth mullein can reach 1.5 m (5 ft) in height. It is a self-seeding plant, but finches have been reported consuming the seeds. An experiment conducted by William James Beal, known as the Beal Seed Viability Experiment, found that the seeds of moth mullein are viable for at least 120 years. The experiment began in 1879 and is still ongoing. Moth mullein has also gained attention for a methanol extract with potential to successfully control mosquito larvae.

Green Milkweed

Green Milkweed, Asclepias viridis

Green Milkweed, also known as green antelopehorn (not to be confused with clumping milkweed antelope horns) is a native milkweed common in pastures, prairies, and ditches from Nebraska to Ohio and Texas to Florida.  Within Texas, green milkweed is the most common milkweed and can be found on most soils, but prefers loamy, moist soils. It blooms from April through September and can grow up to 0.9 m (3 ft) in height. There is usually only one umbel, or flower cluster, per stem, but larger plants may have more. As with most milkweeds, the sticky, milky substance is toxic, but has been utilized by certain butterfly species, most notably, monarchs. Both native and non-native bees have been known to pollinate milkweed.

Antelope Horns

Antelope Horns, Asclepias asperula

Not to be confused with green antelopehorn, Antelope Horns, also called Spider Milkweed, is a common, clump-forming native perennial milkweed found in pastures and prairies from Kansas to Texas and westward. As expected, it is a source of food for the larvae of Monarch and other milkweed butterflies. Antelope Horns blooms intermittently from March through October. It can reach heights of up to 0.6 m (2 ft) and requires little water, but it does need full sun. The common name refers to the seed pods which curve to resemble antelope horns as well as the white horn-like stamens of the flower. While milkweed butterflies make use of the toxins, the milky sap can be an irritant to humans and other animals. In addition to the butterflies, it is an often sought plant for native pollinators.