Inchworm

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, this inchworm will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end (prolegs) and reach out for a new front attachment - creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. In many species of geometer moths, the inchworms are about 25 mm (1.0 in) long. They tend to be green, grey, or brownish and hide from predators by fading into the background or resembling twigs. Many inchworms, when disturbed, stand erect and motionless on the prolegs, increasing the resemblance. Some have humps or filaments. They are seldom hairy or gregarious and are generally smooth. Typically they eat leaves. However, some eat lichen, flowers or pollen. Photo of inchworm on New England Aster by Rachel Samerdyke/USFWS. 

#nature #wildlife #inchworm #Wisconsin #WI 




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Wolf Spider

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

Wisconsin is home to some BIG spiders….including 40 species of Wolf spiders. The largest wolf spiders are the members of the genus Hogna, with five species found in Wisconsin. Hogna carolinensis is the biggest of them, with females reaching up to 1 1/2 inches in body size. Wolf spiders are hunters, and sometimes dig burrows on the ground to wait for insects and other prey. Can you see the eight eyes? They are the black spots that make up the “face” that looks like eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Photo of Hogna carolinensis wolf spider by A.J. Kitchen 

#arachnids #Spiders #Wisconsin #WI #nature 

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

Marsh marigolds should be blooming by now. Has anyone seen any? Fun fact from Stan Tekiela’s book “Wildlflowers of Wisconsin field guide”: It is said that the Marsh Marigolds's common name of Cowslip comes from the fact that the plant grew on the hummocks and cows slipped on it when they went to the stream to drink. Marsh marigold photo courtesy of AndyRogers/CreativeCommonshttps://flic.kr/p/bL2fsF

#plants #Wildflowers #MarshMarigold #nature




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Something Odd About This Garter Snake Photo

We had some garter snakes near the house where I grew up. I never saw a garter snake in a tree. They were always on the ground.


From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

According to the Wisconsin phenology calendar, Common Garter Snakes should be emerging from hibernation this week (the recent snow may delay them a bit this year!). Common Garter Snakes are Wisconsin’s most common snake. They are found in almost every habitat type and in every county in the State. They are our most common snake on the Refuge as well. They will den underground (called hibernaculum) during the winter in very large numbers. Photo of Common Garter Snake by Rachel Samerdyke/USFWS

Mating Season for Mink

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

#USFWS

According to the Wisconsin phenology calendar, mink begin mating this week. They will have a litter of 3 to 6 kits in April or May. The young are born hairless but in about 25 days their eyes are open and they will have hair. Shortly after that, they are weaned from their mother but will stay close until fall. Mink photo by Tom Koerner/USFWS 




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Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) | February 13, 2017

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

According to the Wisconsin Phenology calendar, Sandhill Cranes should be returning on this day.  




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Happy Groundhog Day!

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

Happy Groundhog Day! Legend says that if the groundhog (also called woodchuck) emerges from his den on February 2 and sees his shadow, 6 more weeks of winter will follow. I love seeing the sun today, but unfortunately both the local groundhog (Jimmy) and the national groundhog (Phil) saw their shadow! I don’t want to argue with tradition, but does anyone else find this legend backwards? First of all, groundhogs are true hibernators so why would they be emerging from their dens anyway on February 2? And even if they did wake up because it was a warm and sunny day…and they saw their shadow…why would they go back into their den for six more weeks of winter? Our area has not seen the sun in quite a while. That groundhog should be doing a happy dance! 




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Great-horned Owls || 01/30/17

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

Great-horned Owls begin courtship activities this week (and will actually begin nesting by mid-February). Maybe we’ll be lucky enough this spring to see baby owls up close again like in 2013 when the female nested right next to the Auto Tour at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge! Notice in this photo of the owlets (by Rachel Samerdyke) that the one on the left has his head turned 180 degrees. That is actually the back of his body. 




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Male Cardinal

From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:

Happy Holidays to all of you! In addition to celebrating your beliefs and traditions today and throughout the holiday season, we hope you also celebrate the wonder of nature! (cardinal photo by Bruce Hallman/USFWS)




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