White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla)
Does this look like a moth to you? To me it has the shape of a mosquito more than any sort of lepidoptera but it is actually a White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla).
Read MorePurple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)
Seas of Sarracenia – or Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea) in nearby Cattaraugus Co. A beautiful bog surveyed recently by RTPI staff to assess our region’s natural areas and biodiversity. With the staggering density of carnivorous plants here you’d expect there to be few bugs around. Alas! In fact, specific mosquito species actually breed in the water-filled Sarracenia pitchers without being digested. Although I’m not a big fan of mosquitoes, I have to admit that that is pretty cool!
Read MoreChalk-fronted Corporal (Ladona julia)
Meet the Chalk-fronted Corporal (Ladona julia), a skimmer that will use you to attract insects like the mosquito to devour – aren’t dragonflies helpful?
Read MoreAmphibians emerging
Yesterday it was over 50 degrees and raining in Western New York and more warm and wet weather will be on the way – ideal conditions for frogs, toads and salamanders to emerge from hibernation and start migrating to a nearby wetland at night! Please slow down for salamanders and frogs when you’re driving back roads near wetlands – even when they don’t get crushed by your tires, the slipstream generated underneath a vehicle when you’re moving more than 20-25 MPH will pick these animals up from the road surface and slam them into the underside of your car…...
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