Indeed it is definitely hot. Our morning walks start between 7 and 8am. High temp 105F, heat index 120F today!
The bumble bee was not moving yet at 7am.
The feral hog was surprised when we walked by. Furthermore it was lucky for us there was only one.
A Giant Lichen Orbweaver (Araneus bicentenarius) had caught a big big breakfast, the owlfly (Ascalaphidae)! Yum!
Our friends the cottontails let us get within six feet of them now. Well, some of them.
The Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) is quite abundant in our woods now. The name tawny fits it well especially when compared to the Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) as seen in the next photo.
The Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) has much brighter spots! Additionally it has one or two bold spots in forewing.
The armadillo looked like its tail had been slammed in the door…ouch! Plus someone had take a nip out of its left ear. Maybe it will be heading to the spa this afternoon for a soothing mud bath.
So glad you had comparison photos of Tawny & Hackberry Emporers. We had 2 emerge on our front porch yesterday. Each one was ready to fly so I only got a glimpse and no time for a photo. But from memory I believe it was Tawny. But neat to see them make it to adulthood.
I’m glad there was only one hog too! Those things can be cranky. I love the armadillo video. Once at the Nature Center I was leading an evening walk and one came out of the woods just like that and trundled right across my boots. The walk participants and I were thrilled.
Love the armadillo. Kinked tail and ear make it memorable. Unafraid of you. Cool.
Armadillos are so fun to watch – oblivious to so much going on around them.
So glad you had comparison photos of Tawny & Hackberry Emporers. We had 2 emerge on our front porch yesterday. Each one was ready to fly so I only got a glimpse and no time for a photo. But from memory I believe it was Tawny. But neat to see them make it to adulthood.
We love nature! It really is quick the emerging. Thank you for sharing 😊
I’m glad there was only one hog too! Those things can be cranky. I love the armadillo video. Once at the Nature Center I was leading an evening walk and one came out of the woods just like that and trundled right across my boots. The walk participants and I were thrilled.
I imagine y’all were. Such a thrill to me too!
What an adorable dillo! I know the grasshopper study people. Interesting stuff! Concerning since so much eats hoppers!
It agree, concerning.