Cosmos Flowers
What better way to enjoy art in August than with some more of the most stunning natural sights of summer? Cosmos flowers really stand out from the crowd and look great against the green, almost appearing like a painting.
Read MoreSpicebush Swallowtail on Eastern Purple Coneflower
This breathtaking sight was a recent morning surprise for me as once again the wonderful Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) brought in a special friend in the form of a Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) butterfly. It can be somewhat difficult to identify the Spicebush Swallowtail as the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) looks very similar. To me, in terms of general and unscientific impressions, the Spicebush Swallowtail is a duller black, flies a little stronger, and seems a little larger with broad wings. One scientific way to tell the species apart if you have a view...
Read MoreGrapevine Borer Beetle
This seems to be a Grapevine Borer Beetle (Pelidnota punctata) as I found and photographed on this door screen last week. Their common name betrays their preferred plant and behavior, eating the fruit and even the leaves of grapevines, though apparently not to extreme pest levels. I was also not the only one to think about how it looks like a huge ladybug in some ways. You never know what new sorts of neighbors you will find even at your own door… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRTPI Benefits from Cummins Employee Volunteers
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History recently benefitted from the diligent labors of several dedicated Cummins employees; a group of energetic volunteers devoted many hours to weeding and mulching the butterfly gardens and maintaining the sidewalk and driveway at the RTPI headquarters on Curtis Street in Jamestown. They did an outstanding job of making the grounds look crisp and appealing just in time for a highly anticipated event; the artist reception with John and Suzie Seerey-Lester that officially opened RTPI’s current exhibition – “Keeping the World Wild” – showcasing the...
Read MoreFlower Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)
Another one for my recent Queen Anne’s Lace-themed series. Today’s flowers were sprouting cool bugs, the Flower Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), that were handing out free hugs! Twan Leenders RTPI President
Read More
