tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10133168876600178802024-03-13T05:03:51.967-05:00MObugsMissouri's MajorityShelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.comBlogger673125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-11265985096937835802024-03-04T21:11:00.005-06:002024-03-04T21:11:56.229-06:00Eastern Lubber Grasshopper<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi249MC4nDJ4TEOF-G6YoW5DrTqwM0odkrEle-4pX3sYb6bRNOdd57YrRB8ZJiQChmlI9N73CbrjLvJbXeJOQI-qXOfOq7qCRV1J0U4mOzKtbQ8LM9byMK-d2Ndgrj_yRHxgLW3uEwM-D42K4PgtICa0IctDoEZF3YF-cSun0vC6MmD33-DcJHGNHWzY0E/s600/lubber4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="402" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi249MC4nDJ4TEOF-G6YoW5DrTqwM0odkrEle-4pX3sYb6bRNOdd57YrRB8ZJiQChmlI9N73CbrjLvJbXeJOQI-qXOfOq7qCRV1J0U4mOzKtbQ8LM9byMK-d2Ndgrj_yRHxgLW3uEwM-D42K4PgtICa0IctDoEZF3YF-cSun0vC6MmD33-DcJHGNHWzY0E/w268-h400/lubber4.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>A mighty grasshopper called the Eastern Lubber is slowly
making its way into Missouri. Traditionally this species was only found in the
southeastern states, but like many invertebrates, they don’t always recognize
manmade boundaries and go where they please, or at least where the resources
are. They are also found in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper is the only lubber in the southeastern
United States, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they share the family Romaleidae
with other lubbers, the name comes from a Greek word, and when translated into
Latin means “strong of body.” This is an apt description of such a heavy-bodied,
large grasshopper. The name lubber comes from the old English word lobre, which
means lazy, or clumsy, which again is a very good description of this
grasshopper. These large grasshoppers have small wings that barely extend half
their body length making it impossible for them to fly. Instead, they are
destined to a life of crawling, or ambling clumsily across the landscape. They
appear slow and awkward as they move from place to place. However, what they
lack in gracefulness they more than make up for in their ability to climb. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Like many insects, they possess defensive strategies to
avoid being eaten by hungry predators. Their first line of defense is their
coloring. Bright coloration in nature often warns predators they are poisonous
or at the very least that they taste bad. The second line of defense is their
ability to flap their wings rapidly and to secrete a toxin sprayed from their
thorax. Many of the plants they consume give them these beneficial toxins which
make them unpalatable to predators. Because they feed on a wide variety of
plants at different times of the year, they take in a wide variety of toxins at
different times, making it impossible for would-be predators to build up a
tolerance for the chemical defense they utilize. Vertebrates like birds and
small mammals have learned to avoid them, and those too young or too naïve to
know better will find themselves gagging, regurgitating, or even dying from the
experience. Even an opossum, which seems able to eat anything, will avoid them.
An exception is loggerhead shrikes, which have figured out that if they impale
the lubbers onto a thorn or other sharp object and wait a few days for the toxins
to become diluted in the dead grasshopper they can then consume it. Invertebrate
predators like large mantids are unaffected by the toxins but find it difficult
to manage such large insects covered in thick exoskeletons, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so most avoid expending the energy it would
take to overcome one. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Their third line of defense is to hiss loudly startling a
predator, which may make it think twice before messing with such an
ill-tempered adversary. Having all these defenses seems like overkill, but for
an insect incapable of flight and lacking the ability to physically escape they
must employ other means to avoid being eaten. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsatwMTnrQyXjGABZxnJvD9OztjyhYMQWdTN_mTbc1Q9DcHl95J0BSYYN8oty3us53VFy7Pk1g-5511g-4Px3VOjYK4dwYlT23e4xi1YW1K9v9M5Y1UPjxGZ-f3aqI4FdzcK8U1DahtadtKmEM7xx2fMRETIm_GjgDSqoeWnQdMM1uWOwayC6WQ6iHLPY/s7360/eastern%20lubber%20grasshopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="7360" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsatwMTnrQyXjGABZxnJvD9OztjyhYMQWdTN_mTbc1Q9DcHl95J0BSYYN8oty3us53VFy7Pk1g-5511g-4Px3VOjYK4dwYlT23e4xi1YW1K9v9M5Y1UPjxGZ-f3aqI4FdzcK8U1DahtadtKmEM7xx2fMRETIm_GjgDSqoeWnQdMM1uWOwayC6WQ6iHLPY/w400-h268/eastern%20lubber%20grasshopper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: K. Leeker<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>They are easily recognized as no other grasshopper is as
large or colored quite like them. Both the Western Horse Lubber and the Eastern
Lubber are the largest of the grasshoppers in the United States, both capable
of reaching lengths of three and a half inches, some claim they have seen them
as long as four inches. Truly a large insect! As nymphs, they are black with
yellow, orange, or red stripes down the body. As they mature from nymph to
adult their coloring will vary from dull orange with black spots, to bright
orange with black markings or even an entirely black version with red or yellow
stripes, that resembles the nymphal stage. They possess sharp spines on their
legs that can pierce human flesh, and they are capable of giving a strong,
somewhat painful nip if mishandled. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Like most lubbers, as nymphs, they are known to be
gregarious and can move in large numbers over the landscape sometimes wreaking
havoc as they do. The verdict is still out as to whether the feeding habits of
these insects cause significant damage to plants. Some claim with their large
numbers and even larger appetites, they can cause significant damage to citrus,
vegetable, peanut, corn, and other crops as well as ornamental landscape
plants. As adults, their appetite is not as large as what one would expect out
of a plant-eating insect that gets so impressively large. It is also known they
have a secretion in their saliva that stimulates new growth, making plant
foliage bushier and possibly more appealing to four-legged grazers. However, as
nymphs, if they occur in large enough numbers they can defoliate leaves rapidly
and may stunt or kill young plants. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because of the characteristics attributed to these
grasshoppers…..the large size, bright warning coloration, toxic secretions, and
gregarious populations, they are often given some pretty colorful common names
including the devil's horse, black diablo, Georgia thumper, soldier boys, and
the graveyard grasshopper. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlrBirpckGwWRzKLMKUB3DbI2TrN3zscDTWcAI-yc8bHehes7cHCduX6lAnFAuJQBCuJG0G1T-G0-cOAwMyNB5Gtqh1V14UTl4g2oWfUxnf-MRf1Irit1zmpkGe8-an2F5JU0LCxyVSVWMfN80JmNWMAeIfO-fsWBmkjA6m9sH1lNT54j-L0HWbYewcM/s600/lubber2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlrBirpckGwWRzKLMKUB3DbI2TrN3zscDTWcAI-yc8bHehes7cHCduX6lAnFAuJQBCuJG0G1T-G0-cOAwMyNB5Gtqh1V14UTl4g2oWfUxnf-MRf1Irit1zmpkGe8-an2F5JU0LCxyVSVWMfN80JmNWMAeIfO-fsWBmkjA6m9sH1lNT54j-L0HWbYewcM/w400-h260/lubber2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first time most people come in contact with this
large lubber is during science class when they are dissecting one for biology studies.
The experience is likely to stay with you as they smell horribly from the formalin
and their natural essence. For now, their population within Missouri is limited
to low numbers on the eastern side of our state. With climate conditions rapidly
changing and new agricultural practices of farming roadside to roadside and
fencerow to fencerow, leaving little to no vegetation for these and other
insects to feed on, our fields are becoming more favorable to crop-eating
insects. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be in the not-too-distant
future we experience the giant lubber in our neck of the woods.<p></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-84486788348612940422024-02-28T15:47:00.005-06:002024-02-28T15:52:11.917-06:00American EEL<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28r28FcrCzYc5DBZj7K6ORtSDQM9wYit90bB6t5YPPibu9lQXR_AJE_wjn8E8YaYCt2aMvqQfJTt0y8VFPp_T34V1-LeZl_oLdtSr8TGWlqb4T5Zou97Qw9WTaZDXtHSFmRfwm-SH93VnU847Syflq8PNc5LkddogQQ10au5ZJCxDlQrzDtw7Ukfb5kY/s3432/American%20eel%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1744" data-original-width="3432" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28r28FcrCzYc5DBZj7K6ORtSDQM9wYit90bB6t5YPPibu9lQXR_AJE_wjn8E8YaYCt2aMvqQfJTt0y8VFPp_T34V1-LeZl_oLdtSr8TGWlqb4T5Zou97Qw9WTaZDXtHSFmRfwm-SH93VnU847Syflq8PNc5LkddogQQ10au5ZJCxDlQrzDtw7Ukfb5kY/w640-h326/American%20eel%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When one hears the term slippery as an eel, the first
thing that typically comes to mind is a less than trustful individual bent on
bamboozling you then slipping away silently into the night never to be heard
from again. This phrase having been repeated for generations has become part of
English vernacular and is probably not going anywhere soon. For me slippery as
an eel takes on a different meaning, in terms of the eel itself. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Several months ago, during a trip to the zoo with my
granddaughter she showed an intense fascination for the eels on display. After
many repeated trips since that initial visit, she expressed the same desire to
“see the eels.” I found this interest in eels at such a young age (she’s 3)
curious, after all aren’t most children more inclined towards the elephants,
lions, or giraffes? This unusual interest of hers sent me on my own journey to
learn about them. After reading books, and pouring over internet sites, it
became apparent to me that her interest was (is) valid and I am grateful to her
for having <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>piqued my own interest. Now I
too want to “see the eels.” </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKobMj3fRzM-Nd2gGPtmtcVdFd9BewAZr9xl683yr4qXICxzWxa3d6_Q2LMOJ2z2HMNbn8Nz5dCrl7ZuBvDSJidwMboVgq4QYQPdqI-guvUK4slHVH46Qrm9-JJ-ATVF_m39bmQMxckHV6RDWVv5QsTZCmbX7TTfy_kwtNpyqOKUdJO-WRAJXCiWZPIw/s2016/6906293765_576c946179_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKobMj3fRzM-Nd2gGPtmtcVdFd9BewAZr9xl683yr4qXICxzWxa3d6_Q2LMOJ2z2HMNbn8Nz5dCrl7ZuBvDSJidwMboVgq4QYQPdqI-guvUK4slHVH46Qrm9-JJ-ATVF_m39bmQMxckHV6RDWVv5QsTZCmbX7TTfy_kwtNpyqOKUdJO-WRAJXCiWZPIw/w640-h360/6906293765_576c946179_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Did you know that Missouri is home to an eel? I did not.
The American Eel is native to North America and may be found throughout much of
our country as well as Canada. This slippery torpedo shaped creature lives in
many rivers and streams throughout our state. They are clear to green in color
depending upon the stage of life they are in. They have a large dorsal fin that
extends the entire length of the body. They appear to be smooth but are
actually covered in tiny scales, too small for us to see, that are arranged in
an irregular pattern and embedded below the skin. A slimy mucus secretes from
their skin, which is thought to aid them in moving through the water.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk6tWm6izYhWS_NBuPD_srQD7Y9N7_OyQ6vBt34_9Wciu54R550qkMGy-TLxGXLPDuHw_9PfCpUjSWJUnvX_Nhot-giJbu6XcP7HezyHqOaDknS9pd2Ub7CzYyflIxR-b4Fe60pfzgfJRhdyOt66K-VgbF-a-R-L1T5RAN4PcRwJzyqRqUFSWAX6QEa8/s4272/American%20eel%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk6tWm6izYhWS_NBuPD_srQD7Y9N7_OyQ6vBt34_9Wciu54R550qkMGy-TLxGXLPDuHw_9PfCpUjSWJUnvX_Nhot-giJbu6XcP7HezyHqOaDknS9pd2Ub7CzYyflIxR-b4Fe60pfzgfJRhdyOt66K-VgbF-a-R-L1T5RAN4PcRwJzyqRqUFSWAX6QEa8/w400-h266/American%20eel%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This
slippery slime, combined with their serpentine movements makes holding on to
one exceeding difficult, thus the term slippery as an eel came into being. They
may reach a yard or more in length, with females being larger than males. It is
believed that all eels found within our state will be females, as the males
stay close to the estuaries near the Atlantic coastline. A state record eel was
caught on the Current River in 2021 that weighed a whopping six and a half
pounds beating the previous record set in 1994 of a little over four pounds. No
one knows for certain how many eels are actually in Missouri, but they are
considered threatened in our state. They are nocturnal by nature, and feed on a
wide variety of aquatic insects, crayfish, worms <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and mussels. During the day they hide under
logs, boulders, and other underwater cover. Even though they are capable of
tolerating a wide range of temperature fluctuations, during the winter they burrow
into the mud and enter into a torpor, or inactive state. <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87oUs94BNCn8yUfw_usj9pAjBLfA8z2lwXA3uZoxM54vISeF_TkLqjFT2cPGF4Xz2LFyzgLuBqVkH6JCm9dIzTdxDb5bJPxTN2cuZNd6Ep3Gn7fX_pKZTH7dpUsF2jgt_M8q7bED_GWFQ5eKCVZH7U6VaNHHudtcah5NLp7X1J04aoAh563xegOReJu4/s1280/american%20eel4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87oUs94BNCn8yUfw_usj9pAjBLfA8z2lwXA3uZoxM54vISeF_TkLqjFT2cPGF4Xz2LFyzgLuBqVkH6JCm9dIzTdxDb5bJPxTN2cuZNd6Ep3Gn7fX_pKZTH7dpUsF2jgt_M8q7bED_GWFQ5eKCVZH7U6VaNHHudtcah5NLp7X1J04aoAh563xegOReJu4/w400-h300/american%20eel4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Eels have an unusual lifecycle that is greatly dependent
on their ability to travel river systems, and with the damming of the rivers
they are blocked from making that journey. The American eel, along with its
cousin the European eel begin their life in the Sargasso Sea, sort of a sea
within a sea located near Bermuda. After mating, females will lay as many as
four million eggs before dying. These eggs hatch in about one week. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mliA1wE9s4GNBsIP4-seg5W4fnY5SUYqRzZTCyOkVSjbMeocWgLfXBezSCBvIJJJ9S2mRMoSPL_iTaIJLioUwK88mMUf7-uW_4uuK9QpidRpb8DZu_Z1EK_6WglDu8h25nivNoFLhMDdw92abuR2wXdtGSVvXHM4qmsz4FLsPPcC5PtBKj_v-IjW7AM/s2048/american%20eel6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mliA1wE9s4GNBsIP4-seg5W4fnY5SUYqRzZTCyOkVSjbMeocWgLfXBezSCBvIJJJ9S2mRMoSPL_iTaIJLioUwK88mMUf7-uW_4uuK9QpidRpb8DZu_Z1EK_6WglDu8h25nivNoFLhMDdw92abuR2wXdtGSVvXHM4qmsz4FLsPPcC5PtBKj_v-IjW7AM/s320/american%20eel6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The newly
hatched eels are called leptocephali. They will be somewhat leaf-shaped,
transparent and will remain in this state for up to a year. At that time, they
will have reached the continental shelf and will metamorphosis into the next
stage and are referred to as glass eels. These tiny transparent juveniles
continue to drift among the ocean currents heading towards North America. As
they reach the coastal estuaries they will metamorphosis into elvers with more
pigment in their skin and remain in this stage for an additional year. <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">As they
begin their journey up freshwater rivers and their tributaries they are now
ready to enter into the next stage of development called the yellow eel. They
are considered adults at this stage but are still sexually immature. They will
remain yellow eels for more than ten years before significant changes happen
with their physiology to prepare them for their final stage of development. At
this time, they are referred to as silver eels. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMfTAW9cskMiuKSfTfXpXrx3GJnqxb98Pc9JKx8gkKRKKcJHimaz9KBoJ7BMenJKZ5wAPqhXjwXb_spH6V-pcfhfwgtzw_L43cptNXy1CjkCODKjFpsD7gbXfsQCdT_jT0DfEY0Mhq_R-THUhwOgmEYphH5U8UGr1vvaFSrZQJjxtWwUf5tbGmyqG0Hk/s2048/american%20eel.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMfTAW9cskMiuKSfTfXpXrx3GJnqxb98Pc9JKx8gkKRKKcJHimaz9KBoJ7BMenJKZ5wAPqhXjwXb_spH6V-pcfhfwgtzw_L43cptNXy1CjkCODKjFpsD7gbXfsQCdT_jT0DfEY0Mhq_R-THUhwOgmEYphH5U8UGr1vvaFSrZQJjxtWwUf5tbGmyqG0Hk/w400-h266/american%20eel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: K. Leeker<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">They will change color to green
or brown with a white or yellowish belly that appears silver. Their digestive
system dissolves, meaning they will no longer be able to feed,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their eyes grow in diameter and adapt the
pigments necessary to survive on their upcoming oceanic journey, their pectoral
fin enlarges, and lipids increase to supply enough energy to live on for the
long migration back to the Sargasso Sea where they will spawn, and die, thus
completing their lifecycle. For some eels this journey exceeds 3700 miles, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and takes years to complete, as they face the
dangers of being eaten by other eels, eagles, gulls, and other fish-eating
birds. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zw8qPs00BJZEP2ne1QjN7g3d8idkjPPtYfd8-J12sR0Ru5OwYPNAoAqX8DANNStYsTUhO7oP_UPN8CvqXHHe8Poqrea0jS4vymdAui3b6Qa0-sVRX6-8iw__rJXvcupdEzFW5dK8qE5eePAoMlJh0qnwKhNbVliDFAvTpmvtDxTPtaHCORj2_HsrUxk/s4272/American%20eel%203.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zw8qPs00BJZEP2ne1QjN7g3d8idkjPPtYfd8-J12sR0Ru5OwYPNAoAqX8DANNStYsTUhO7oP_UPN8CvqXHHe8Poqrea0jS4vymdAui3b6Qa0-sVRX6-8iw__rJXvcupdEzFW5dK8qE5eePAoMlJh0qnwKhNbVliDFAvTpmvtDxTPtaHCORj2_HsrUxk/w400-h266/American%20eel%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Climate change is dramatically interrupting their
lifecycle. With a warming planet the direction and strength of the ocean
currents change impeding the eels ability to migrate to their freshwater
habitats. Stronger currents drastically throw migrating eels off course,
casting them adrift in the ocean currents. The temperature of the water also
changes which affects the lifecycle of plankton, reducing their numbers which means
less food for the tiny leptocephali and glass eels. Other challenges faced by
American Eels as well as European Eels is the over harvest of glass eels. Spain
and France especially consider glass eels a delicacy and they are caught in
unsustainable numbers, greatly reducing the population of these eels. Without
strict regulation, if these actions continue the eel may be no more. The IUCN
(International Union for Conservation) has declared the American and European
Eels as endangered. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Many Indigenous cultures rely on the eel for their traditions
and practices. For many the eel is a source of food, and medicine. Dried eel skins
were used to make bindings to hold spear points and axe heads onto sticks, as
well as fashion hair ties and sew moccasins together and the oils from the eel
treated earaches. We know the travelers of the Mayflower, after months at sea,
landed on hostile shores. They spent a year aboard their ship in fear for their
lives with no access to nutritional food. Many died of scurvy, and
tuberculosis. Tisquantum , also known as Squanto, was a member of the Patuxet
tribe. He made peace with the Pilgrams and brought them eels to eat, which
saved their lives. He taught them how to find and hunt the eels as well as grow
corn and other food. His life saving teachings were greatly appreciated by the newcomers
and a feast was held one year after Squanto initiated peace. This feast is
referred to as Thanksgiving today. To think we could just as easily be eating
eels for our Thanksgiving dinner as we do turkey. I guess the lowly eel didn’t
make the cut when the tradition of this feast was handed down from generation
to generation. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g1aPmzyDAtqXgkwA8OeZOsyWe6bhZTeIZSlda1FQy50V3tmfyevfcZ0K4ngKWuI8vIiNkjKqG4nFTGcX_Vsu1M430sQN5tABPd2HvTIYjy2jsThmHR3NMh0CQ_KzOj1KLnHhFLmF2Jkv4QVXxa41NAOwFRgtBYjmk7PWe44IY2-CcmN4U4lfy42eyA8/s6165/52694926973_4a143ae042_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3110" data-original-width="6165" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g1aPmzyDAtqXgkwA8OeZOsyWe6bhZTeIZSlda1FQy50V3tmfyevfcZ0K4ngKWuI8vIiNkjKqG4nFTGcX_Vsu1M430sQN5tABPd2HvTIYjy2jsThmHR3NMh0CQ_KzOj1KLnHhFLmF2Jkv4QVXxa41NAOwFRgtBYjmk7PWe44IY2-CcmN4U4lfy42eyA8/w400-h201/52694926973_4a143ae042_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With the numbers of eels in sharp decline Canada has
listed them as a species of special concern and they are no longer harvested
commercially. The United States has not yet followed suit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I for one hope the powers that be in our
country change their mind and gives the eel its due recognition as a unique
member of our natural fauna. These slippery, snake-like creatures saved the
Pilgrams of the Mayflower, they travel our waterways controlling insect and
crayfish populations, have a lifecycle that defies logic, and are an important
resource for many Indigenous tribes. As such, should be protected so future
generations can be inspired by them, as my granddaughter, and now myself are. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-45172814718028825932024-02-18T16:48:00.003-06:002024-02-28T15:54:11.555-06:00Black Carpenter Ant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4MFIBOLHOC_tF9QeQXVxGI6cXzFcVzubyFxfRfzzigSHwa2d97Iiw9SkajHAQvTg8a7ctNbLdEPxmvzQAk2iHOb-SKDB6MrGTFPcJBnyxgCVOtWoJh74fjun28tmUvnuq_oRyaOY1l9n6AI75i-3xiCrGISuPoWvrX4cSVBmd3jwkXZH1KLVH8n-z1w/s600/carpenter%20ant.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4MFIBOLHOC_tF9QeQXVxGI6cXzFcVzubyFxfRfzzigSHwa2d97Iiw9SkajHAQvTg8a7ctNbLdEPxmvzQAk2iHOb-SKDB6MrGTFPcJBnyxgCVOtWoJh74fjun28tmUvnuq_oRyaOY1l9n6AI75i-3xiCrGISuPoWvrX4cSVBmd3jwkXZH1KLVH8n-z1w/w400-h216/carpenter%20ant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Few
other insects are considered as annoying or unwelcome as the lowly ant. One in
particular wreaks havoc on many homeowners. The black carpenter ant has
established itself as an interloper within human dwellings. These large black
ants are easily identified by size alone. Workers reach ¾ of an inch in length
and queens as much as an inch! They are uniformly black with whitish hairs
covering their thorax and abdomen. It is difficult not to worry when we see one
of these large ants roaming our home. We may ask ourselves if we have an
infestation or if this sighting is a single individual that somehow made its
way into our living space. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">After all, we know these ants are fond of
wood, and with most homes being made of wood, how long before the ants cause
structural damage? A common myth associated with carpenter ants is that they
consume the wood they chew. In fact, they are not eating the wood at all, they
cannot digest the cellulose the wood contains. Instead, they use the wood to
excavate their homes. These ants are capable of excavating large galleries
consisting of a tunnel system they use to travel through their nests. Many of
these tunnels lead to food sources, often in the form of an aphid colony that
they farm for the secretions aphids produce called honeydew. These galleries
are most often created in forested areas inside hollowed trees, decaying logs,
under stones, or other debris. This chewing and tunneling activity performs a
valuable </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH9ZoAqprKFZlkZf97WRK6nf0Ah6NmQ5CM7xe9CRsb0iGVzUoBAfNijEGQpbX8VDc6ZvwoUqtDo5VRl72Mys47mbDQM_LChimt39XsXsKivgVMkAFi0rBHda2c6HNqa5HVEVgEYY7v0tgH0SE2xprGjcLwa01M6-aUZHOsWUcgAO44kIjg3jl3xESxoc/s5184/026%20(2).JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH9ZoAqprKFZlkZf97WRK6nf0Ah6NmQ5CM7xe9CRsb0iGVzUoBAfNijEGQpbX8VDc6ZvwoUqtDo5VRl72Mys47mbDQM_LChimt39XsXsKivgVMkAFi0rBHda2c6HNqa5HVEVgEYY7v0tgH0SE2xprGjcLwa01M6-aUZHOsWUcgAO44kIjg3jl3xESxoc/w400-h266/026%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">service within the woodlands by speeding up the decomposition of decaying
wood. However, not so much in our homes. Because these ants are attracted to
moist wood certain areas of our homes may be prone to an infestation. Roof
eaves, around and under windows, decks, and porches are all susceptible to
moisture and thus open to a multitude of carpenter ants chewing and excavating
their way through your structure.
</span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Black carpenter ant colonies may contain up to twenty
thousand individuals, made up of a single queen, major and minor workers,
larvae, males (drones), and eggs. The primary nest will house the queen, eggs,
and many major and minor workers. Satellite nests are created nearby that
contain the older larvae, pupae, some winged individuals (future queens), and
the males. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUSW79nixnhGQ2LTIaZKe9rLzbAk21jFIPhM6mrMLf0EMreSZyPus77zpzLiZMcXGI674nDKvLQIktEvd2WY5gOsbkAJERw6y1RL3yzJQHvP1YFcUKlC3Cecn5cgoZcDGVUg1e7GyvU40Ps5vwvT1rU0E02yaY2BULaVrRiw_3bCv1YywYrxQU0gIbc8/s600/boxelder%20tree%20disk.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUSW79nixnhGQ2LTIaZKe9rLzbAk21jFIPhM6mrMLf0EMreSZyPus77zpzLiZMcXGI674nDKvLQIktEvd2WY5gOsbkAJERw6y1RL3yzJQHvP1YFcUKlC3Cecn5cgoZcDGVUg1e7GyvU40Ps5vwvT1rU0E02yaY2BULaVrRiw_3bCv1YywYrxQU0gIbc8/s320/boxelder%20tree%20disk.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The satellite nests do not need to contain the proper moisture
levels as the primary nest does for proper egg production and health. After about
four or five years the colony is considered mature and the queen will produce
eggs that are destined to be winged females and males, these are the
reproductive individuals that will leave the colony, mate, and start new
colonies, thus spreading their population to new locations. The winged members
of the colony typically spend the winter within the nest. When spring rains and
warmth return the winged individuals leave the colony, often in huge swarms.
Many times, I have witnessed large gatherings of winged ants, called alates,
emerging from the ground. I often receive phone calls about this phenomenon.
Many people want to know what is going on, why do the ants have wings? These
winged ants will take flight and mate on the wing. Soon after mating the males
die, and the females wander off in search of suitable areas to set up a new
nest. Once a location has been found she will chew her wings off and begin
setting up home, by laying eggs. She will care for her first daughters herself
until they are fully developed workers. With approximately twenty new workers,
the queens' sole job is to lay eggs and grow the colony, whereas the workers
are now responsible for retrieving food and feeding the queen and their
developing sisters. Nests that have tunnels leading to aphid colonies have
developed mutualistic benefits with each other. The minor workers will stroke
the antennae of the aphids causing them to release the sugary honeydew the ants
favor and need as an important energy source. The aphid gains bodyguards in the
form of formidable ants that protect them from harm from other insects. The
minor ants gather the honeydew in their mandibles and deliver it to major
workers who in turn take it to the queen and larvae and transfer it to them.
Ants cannot consume solid food, so, therefore, must have their food liquified
to digest it. Occasionally they will attack and kill live insects, but more
often they are scavengers.Foraging as far away as a hundred yards from the nest major and minor workers both seek out food by scent. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HWDrUAB871StyEP5U4qss9eFofRQ36Qm18Bt0_yaH3ZHygG5iCtPjnrWdXHSAR-x-470ZCpjxte8mfgAwbb7SoU-XvaI5Grr5k_X0VK9owYk8nhmujM2uDLc7ilBCEYH8XIs2RwU54mZ1NeUg2sYspg5Ne4R1up8wEMqjDiXuj0WxkCnA4j1isYYAZk/s5184/063.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HWDrUAB871StyEP5U4qss9eFofRQ36Qm18Bt0_yaH3ZHygG5iCtPjnrWdXHSAR-x-470ZCpjxte8mfgAwbb7SoU-XvaI5Grr5k_X0VK9owYk8nhmujM2uDLc7ilBCEYH8XIs2RwU54mZ1NeUg2sYspg5Ne4R1up8wEMqjDiXuj0WxkCnA4j1isYYAZk/s320/063.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This is usually in the
form of a recently deceased insect. The ants will extract the liquid insides of
the carcass and carry it back to the nest. The hard outer exoskeletons are left
behind. In some cases, they may drag the entire head back to the colony where
they will extract the inner tissue. They also seek out nectar from plants,
honey from honeybees, syrup or sap, and plant juices. It seems they have a
sweet tooth that I can relate to. </span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHgrUlj1bIIfWAGJDpf5CruWCPDGNwTZ_-QX18XKiXB2TgnkRA4L_uQegpoIsVIdfBUr2QBpHooyAgp4slrkTQiIE4cBPPZBT2NfAEHF-Ypa2E2DxcjjL1i3lu1vDLIZPLY3PAbdVRi0ON86q8RaMbIzb_cLyNuk_Gp0G-uB9HZYWXLZfmRZNeLTJL_U/s600/carpenter%20ands%20june%20b%20ut.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHgrUlj1bIIfWAGJDpf5CruWCPDGNwTZ_-QX18XKiXB2TgnkRA4L_uQegpoIsVIdfBUr2QBpHooyAgp4slrkTQiIE4cBPPZBT2NfAEHF-Ypa2E2DxcjjL1i3lu1vDLIZPLY3PAbdVRi0ON86q8RaMbIzb_cLyNuk_Gp0G-uB9HZYWXLZfmRZNeLTJL_U/w400-h247/carpenter%20ands%20june%20b%20ut.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> The workers use cues in the form of biochemical
pheromones to let other members of the colony know when a good food source is
located and how to find it. Workers follow these scent trails to and from the
food, taking resources back to the colony. Most foraging is done alone and at
night, ants spotted during the day are usually scouts. Because nitrogen is an
important mineral for ants, in nitrogen-poor soil, these ants will seek out
urine deposits from wild animals in sandy areas. </span>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Within many cultures ants are considered good luck, this
is usually attributed to their industrious nature and devotion to the queen and
colony. The Bible mentions ants more than once, and in Proverbs-Chapter 6 notes
with approval, “the ant does not have a ruler to make her work. Nevertheless,
she prepares her food in the summer months and gathers at harvest time.
Consider the ant, we are told, and be wise” </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVRBZy6-okyOERQkIXY_Q9_-7Me1OOhyphenhyphenF-oH77ai8TciwhJiShMNxyBhxr7P9b3dq5457DcOYHfL6cjp4yzqi6ZmiNBBumG0GKVe8DQ7zAtppBPQ3Y5iDRbAl9LsJs-quLOTcRH_gJjmfaVMTSiukFpj2-KR2CbSt7nLIkGKVbKbva9eeAAo7y3S99Bo/s600/carpenter%20ant%20fight.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="420" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVRBZy6-okyOERQkIXY_Q9_-7Me1OOhyphenhyphenF-oH77ai8TciwhJiShMNxyBhxr7P9b3dq5457DcOYHfL6cjp4yzqi6ZmiNBBumG0GKVe8DQ7zAtppBPQ3Y5iDRbAl9LsJs-quLOTcRH_gJjmfaVMTSiukFpj2-KR2CbSt7nLIkGKVbKbva9eeAAo7y3S99Bo/w140-h200/carpenter%20ant%20fight.jpg" width="140" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Much can be learned from the lowly ant. While we may not
welcome them in our home and seek ways to evict them as quickly as we can. We
can certainly appreciate the service they are providing in their natural
setting in the form of decomposition and as scavengers of dead and dying insects.
And who can’t admire a large family that sticks together and supports one
another? </span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-7052298331578058562024-01-28T15:56:00.003-06:002024-01-28T15:59:57.998-06:00Earwigs<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Roald Dahl’s children’s book “George’s Marvelous Medicine” Georges’ grandmother
encourages him to eat unwashed celery with beetles and earwigs still on it. “A
big fat earwig is very tasty,” Grandma said, licking her lips, “but you’ve got
to be very quick, my dear, when you put one in your mouth! It has a pair of
sharp nippers on its back end and if it grabs your tongue with those it never
lets go. So, you’ve got to bite the earwig first, chop chop, before it bites
you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This nightmare-inducing excerpt from
a children's book is indicative of the myths surrounding the oft-considered
creepy, earwig. </span>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Most
of us have encountered an earwig at some point in our lives, usually in our
gardens, but also occasionally in our homes. Many would agree they are
intimidating with those large pincers pointed upwards in a sign of defense.
Earwigs have been around for over 200 million years, and the ancient fossils
looked very similar to our current earwigs. There are nearly two thousand
species occurring on every continent except Antarctica, with twenty-five
species found in North America and ten of those found in the United States. The
most common one to be encountered in our area is the non-native European
earwig, first introduced to the United States in 1907 when it was found in
Seattle, Washington. They spread very quickly throughout the country and are
now frequently found around our homes and gardens. They are relatively small
insects measuring less than ¾ of an inch, the body is dark brown with a reddish
head and pale brown legs. They have membranous wings protected by short
forewings. While they are capable of flying they rarely do. The most
recognizable characteristic of the earwig is the large forcep-like pincers on
the tip of the abdomen. Males have curved pincers, whereas females have
straight pincers. While these appendages look dangerous, they are not harmful
unless you are the insect prey they are after. Yes, they can pinch us with
them, and I have been pinched several times,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it will not break the skin unless you are a very young child or elderly
and even then it would be superficial. In addition, they are not known to
spread any diseases to humans or other animals. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The
name earwig is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word that means ear creature. Sounds
pleasant doesn’t it? Many scientists believe their name is derived from the
common superstition that earwigs crawl inside your ear and burrow into your
brain to lay eggs. When the eggs hatch the presence of the young will drive you
insane. While it is not likely to have one of these insects climb into your
ear, it is not impossible. There is documentation of earwigs entering the ear
canal of unsuspecting people. Most often this occurs at night when the earwig
is most active and by morning it is searching for a dark, damp place to hide….a
human ear would fill this need. Upon waking your ear feels strange as if
something is crawling around in there. A loved one shining a flashlight into
your ear informs you that you have an uninvited guest taking up residency. A
trip to the doctor and a relatively minor extraction will bring welcome relief.
I can imagine when humans first resided in caves and other sheltered areas
exposed to all manner of creatures, it was probably commonplace to have an
insect crawl inside your ear opening. Then imagine this knowledge being passed
down for thousands of years until it persists as fact in our culture. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGpWrbg29fkes3NuRO0SglAvWDgRvyeN8AkvpMlz-pYdRE9gtcXNgBmOqzD5K0e2wCB4youPOrpvxax-PpNc4DfVajSy91MrXh7CnCnjiax2mBkhp6Eoc6_c_fE9FmiGjSiOt888SqdgKvj6Jr4PaNxi-tcl7svJ0cahEbrU6NcWr_toMI7FHsTbicd0/s6000/IMG_5077.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGpWrbg29fkes3NuRO0SglAvWDgRvyeN8AkvpMlz-pYdRE9gtcXNgBmOqzD5K0e2wCB4youPOrpvxax-PpNc4DfVajSy91MrXh7CnCnjiax2mBkhp6Eoc6_c_fE9FmiGjSiOt888SqdgKvj6Jr4PaNxi-tcl7svJ0cahEbrU6NcWr_toMI7FHsTbicd0/s320/IMG_5077.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Occasionally
these insects appear in massive hoards. In 1755 they appeared in vast numbers
near Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK where they took shelter in cracks and crevices
in human dwellings. Their numbers were so large they would fall from the
ceilings covering the floors below. In more recent times, in 2006, throughout
the Blue Ridge Mountains, a plague of millions of earwigs caused much annoyance
to residents as they hung around for over two years! No one seems to know why
or how to predict when plagues of earwigs will occur, but fortunately, it is a
rare occurrence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However,
they may occur in larger numbers than we may like in years when we have heavier
than usual rainfall, creating the moist conditions these bugs favor. During
these rainy years, we may encounter them in the cracks and crevices of picnic
tables, lawn furniture, underneath chair cushions, waste bins, compost piles,
window frames, and other sheltered areas. Nocturnal by nature, they are rarely
encountered during the day unless you happen to disturb their hiding spot. Most
species are scavengers, but they will also eat most any plant matter as well as
soft-bodied insects like aphids. The European earwig is known to cause damage
to various vegetable crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, celery, chard, potato,
beets, and cucumbers as well as many others. In massive enough numbers, they
may cause damage to corn as they feed on the silk of the plant. Usually, they
do not occur in numbers large enough to cause significant damage. There are
good benefits to these insects as well as bad. They do feed on aphids, scale
insects, and other insects known to cause much damage to plants. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd5miCZsNovT8kqKD4XFXMi3KvpKu55Ggryqtddcb000mMuAWf4CzScTg_mcht7L6MXynj-X65yE0DMsidqN-P03jazurSXFf3rxI-3LaHWDFX3PaVrBzOyApt-EPftoHpI7vstv46Wp9yqiMpzgeDDy_lmsqmSmEtv4sSFV2qrRBOS6v73QbmPEq29Q/s5184/034.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd5miCZsNovT8kqKD4XFXMi3KvpKu55Ggryqtddcb000mMuAWf4CzScTg_mcht7L6MXynj-X65yE0DMsidqN-P03jazurSXFf3rxI-3LaHWDFX3PaVrBzOyApt-EPftoHpI7vstv46Wp9yqiMpzgeDDy_lmsqmSmEtv4sSFV2qrRBOS6v73QbmPEq29Q/w400-h266/034.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Earwigs
do not tolerate extreme cold when outside, this causes many to move into human
structures seeking shelter. Those that do remain outside create a burrow
underground where a male and female will live together. Mating occurs at this
time. In the spring when the female is ready to lay her eggs, she will evict
the male. After laying up to eighty eggs, she will guard them from predators.
One of the few insects to express maternal care for their offspring, she will
clean fungi off the eggs by consuming the fungus. This action leaves behind an
antifungal enzyme that helps the eggs resist deadly fungi. Once hatched the
mother will remain with the nymphs until they shed their skin twice. During
this time, she will leave the young long enough to retrieve food, bring it to
the burrow, and feed all those hungry mouths. She will also regurgitate food
into their mouths. Earwigs only live about one year, therefore after months of
working so hard to care for her young, the mother will perish within the nest
as the ultimate sacrifice. The young will feed on her corpse and leave the
burrow fat, healthy, and ready for life on their own. ‘</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If
you find yourself with an earwig infestation in your home, try to eliminate
areas where they can enter. Fix leaky faucets and air conditioning units. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eliminate damp, moist conditions consistent
with mulch, wood chips, boards, bricks, and gravel against the house. If the
problem persists or is of a large enough scope to be unmanageable you may need
to call a professional to spray for them. If you choose to use insecticides
yourself, always follow instructions and keep in mind many beneficial insects
will die along with your target insect. For me, they are fascinating creatures,
however, I have no intention of sampling some earwig-infested celery! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPdlSUDUE90rmaHE3TqV6pr-CdO7FVEeCQic6oHjT19xKMnU64oXThgWyuG-sIW2ZqZKNu9A-VrSzFlxq3Wq3swecX5D9vYmfVTiHATgxYRvx2X2dPpc8Z4dXM6wf-MUQJWzvL8ZCRJ3st-k83XRFwMa6nEJYFinL2uNGp8tqXmzSWCEdIiiac_J_tNQ/s500/earwig5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="500" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPdlSUDUE90rmaHE3TqV6pr-CdO7FVEeCQic6oHjT19xKMnU64oXThgWyuG-sIW2ZqZKNu9A-VrSzFlxq3Wq3swecX5D9vYmfVTiHATgxYRvx2X2dPpc8Z4dXM6wf-MUQJWzvL8ZCRJ3st-k83XRFwMa6nEJYFinL2uNGp8tqXmzSWCEdIiiac_J_tNQ/w640-h381/earwig5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-89452720413887703952023-12-18T16:06:00.001-06:002023-12-18T16:07:19.212-06:00Arabesque Orb Weaver<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq5LjXyzudEF1sVh8A5-WBotnmvkXP6trPshMrkxxEMtJJ4ppQhXlTLmBq8xh-c2UpBfcVuYLKWYNboyb6LwFwLKzKn7umPMlesNiu0CHD6zxqS0eW26zTMZXtca3TywAxq2jUrcn5JjiAa1FphACEia_bjux4zzn5127FyoRg9F0O4WMBbNHZotJ7fY/s2048/male%20arabasque%20orb%20weaver%203.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="2048" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq5LjXyzudEF1sVh8A5-WBotnmvkXP6trPshMrkxxEMtJJ4ppQhXlTLmBq8xh-c2UpBfcVuYLKWYNboyb6LwFwLKzKn7umPMlesNiu0CHD6zxqS0eW26zTMZXtca3TywAxq2jUrcn5JjiAa1FphACEia_bjux4zzn5127FyoRg9F0O4WMBbNHZotJ7fY/w400-h281/male%20arabasque%20orb%20weaver%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male</td></tr></tbody></table>Charlotte’s Web, a cherished childhood story about a spider
who befriends a friendless pig is, for many of us, our first encounter with a
spider. Charlotte is often depicted as a black widow, but those of us who
understand, and love spiders know she is actually an orb weaver. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Orb weavers are one of the most common spiders found
throughout the world with over 2800 known species. They are primarily
identified by their elaborate round or “orb-shaped” webs. They are believed to
have first appeared on Earth during the Jurassic Period approximately 200-140
million years ago. With such a long ancestry they have certainly had enough
time to perfect web building. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Webs are generally oblong in shape and can be quite large
with dimensions well over three feet common. Many species of orb weavers add an
intricate zipper-like pattern to the center of their web, called a
stabilimentum. It is not completely understood what this zig-zag patterns
function is. The most popular held opinion is that it acts as an attractant for
insects by reflecting UV light, essentially drawing insects into the sticky
web. Others believe it is a deterrent by providing a visual for birds and an echo
for bats, keeping these winged creatures from flying into the web and tearing
it to pieces. Still others believe it acts as a stabilizing mechanism to make
the web stronger, and more able to withstand the impact and struggle of large
insects. No matter what its intended function actually is, it is a fascinating
phenomenon of nature. It is this “writing” in the web than lends us to
understand Charlotte was an orb weaver. She was a skilled weaver of messages
within the web, and while orb weavers are not going to leave “good pig”
messages in their webs, they are going to build master insect traps. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So how does the spider build the web? She releases a strand
of silk into the wind hoping it will reach a solid surface where it will
adhere. Once attached she will begin creating the outer spokes of the web and
then work her way to the center of the web in a purposeful fashion until all
the strands of silk are placed in a perfect pattern. These strands are made up
of several types of silk. Some have sticky globs of silk to capture her prey,
and other strands are not sticky at all, allowing her to navigate her own web
without being caught in her own trap. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT5-hgdL0aq1oQi78aHhgmi2N1_pJ90j9COxxONKkWt7OFhQ_WV1LTKsckXEjoFPL2i2yPBBzpmSiMneO2uoR315SkkW1IvrPf3YBCAuW1P2mzZG6dsfuCA9a6XNwRHYO12IIYieoYl_wmu-rrZHcUC_HmmwqBtaLeMYXGrX04CKceXPm1-dWvp0A0Ow/s2048/male%20arabasque%20orb%20weaver%204.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1846" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT5-hgdL0aq1oQi78aHhgmi2N1_pJ90j9COxxONKkWt7OFhQ_WV1LTKsckXEjoFPL2i2yPBBzpmSiMneO2uoR315SkkW1IvrPf3YBCAuW1P2mzZG6dsfuCA9a6XNwRHYO12IIYieoYl_wmu-rrZHcUC_HmmwqBtaLeMYXGrX04CKceXPm1-dWvp0A0Ow/s320/male%20arabasque%20orb%20weaver%204.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>Many orb weavers consume the remainder of their web each
morning in a form of spider recycling. It takes a lot of energy to create silk,
so by consuming their leftover silk they have developed a way to reduce the
amount of energy they need to create a new one. Plus, the webs are often
severely damaged by struggling insects. These shredded webs will not function
as adequate bug catchers, so new webs must be formed. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the most common orb weavers in Missouri is the
Arabesque orb weaver, they are found in a wide variety of habitats, but seem to
prefer woodlands. Not as flashy as some orb weavers, like the black and yellow
garden spider, she is still beautiful in her own right. Their color may vary
from a rich golden-yellow, brown, orange or nearly black. She will have a
series of black or dark brown comma-like markings on her abdomen, which are a distinctive
identifying characteristic of this species. Like nearly all orb weavers the
females are larger than males and will often be spotted resting head down in
the center of the web of an evening. During the day, they will look for a
retreat away from the web, often in the form of a rolled leaf. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Several years ago I was contacted by author and science teacher Larry Weber about borrowing one of my pictures of a this species for a book he was writing for spiders of the North Woods. I was happy to grant his request and honored to have my photograph featured on one of the pages of "Spiders of the North Woods" This is a great, full color field guide that is sure to help individuals identify whatever spider they happen to come across in the Northern regions of our country. To purchase this valuable guide click the link <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spiders-North-Woods-Second-Naturalist/dp/1936571064" target="_blank">Spiders of the North Woods</a> Be sure to look for the arabasque spider on page 114.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils8cUSxyhyphenhyphenfWiLb4NVrEHnlV2Y_jyZ4_cvXQTQPN2X96iMQoC6SOwKf7H9v-Rk_x3rbLs6PAR13ajhgdeZ_DwNYJKtr5-aLiLUfzkkr9X5rlVZtSjJ1N-Sse4hO1ZJKyJ52ENiOoPXTpgaU9UDtZ1QBiLNxtcgywg6wNO1WeA0PfG_TGv1VaImWH5eMM/s560/4304034957_7e23ec34c5_o.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="560" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils8cUSxyhyphenhyphenfWiLb4NVrEHnlV2Y_jyZ4_cvXQTQPN2X96iMQoC6SOwKf7H9v-Rk_x3rbLs6PAR13ajhgdeZ_DwNYJKtr5-aLiLUfzkkr9X5rlVZtSjJ1N-Sse4hO1ZJKyJ52ENiOoPXTpgaU9UDtZ1QBiLNxtcgywg6wNO1WeA0PfG_TGv1VaImWH5eMM/w400-h269/4304034957_7e23ec34c5_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr></tbody></table>The word arabesque describes a graceful ballet movement as
well as a highly ornate design consisting of curves and swirls that sometimes
intersect. I am not sure I would describe this spider as graceful, and I have
certainly never seen one move like a ballet dancer. The second definition of
Arabesque is, however, most fitting. The pattern on their abdomen is incredibly
detailed and ornate, arabesque-like indeed.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All spiders use venom to capture prey. Orb weavers bite
their quarry and inject a tissue dissolving venom before wrapping it up in a
silken cocoon to save for later. If large wasps or bumblebees become entangled
in the web, she will wrap first and bite later. No sense in risking a sting!
The venom will begin dissolving the tissue for her, allowing her to digest her
food more readily in the form of an insect slurpee.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkN2464E8QFjg2MtcUWiTI7iMVOJOoQQ2b5JAtQa8Q9gvANza-4YjEBYh4X_1CNpYSgsJyIIZP0N-vSn8HegQ9oV8SIu-s4TAXNwWz13NlsDISR-V0Y17HQSl8KLpVtDtU1RKWL7bUuUbBFfGSP7p5INybqF_NSo4o1ehPpo3AEycUCSYCxwidpVGVOc/s2048/male%20arabasque%20orb%20weaver%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="2048" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkN2464E8QFjg2MtcUWiTI7iMVOJOoQQ2b5JAtQa8Q9gvANza-4YjEBYh4X_1CNpYSgsJyIIZP0N-vSn8HegQ9oV8SIu-s4TAXNwWz13NlsDISR-V0Y17HQSl8KLpVtDtU1RKWL7bUuUbBFfGSP7p5INybqF_NSo4o1ehPpo3AEycUCSYCxwidpVGVOc/w400-h248/male%20arabasque%20orb%20weaver%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I am often asked if these, and other orb weavers are harmful
to humans. Beyond causing temporary heart palpitations when you unwittingly
become entangled in the web, they are harmless. Will they bite? I always say almost
anything with a mouth has the potential to bite, but you are only likely to be
bitten by an orb weaver if you harass it or if it somehow becomes caught in
your clothing. Bites are harmless, and no more painful or dangerous than a bee
sting. If you are allergic to bee venom, definitely be watchful of any symptoms
that could indicate a more serious reaction. <p></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-78689888975771469592023-11-01T13:34:00.002-05:002023-11-01T13:34:45.040-05:00Poison Ivy<p><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWBflJ_wA5Yq1kAM8OL8D6yWuRaxlus7YYX2q5-7Ib1hOI3f6MxEhiUZcFXzxC3k4gS3zfpkCbrQvFCU2pSIxLONelQdmRyU1IbpErur-bdumHfIC5IP2K24mjZA61Y0kkk91zMuddmw8tp3LyiehLh_DDbe8mDXMv4Qio5gu3HZhX_YQiwpooy9VjO0/s1600/POISON%20IVY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWBflJ_wA5Yq1kAM8OL8D6yWuRaxlus7YYX2q5-7Ib1hOI3f6MxEhiUZcFXzxC3k4gS3zfpkCbrQvFCU2pSIxLONelQdmRyU1IbpErur-bdumHfIC5IP2K24mjZA61Y0kkk91zMuddmw8tp3LyiehLh_DDbe8mDXMv4Qio5gu3HZhX_YQiwpooy9VjO0/w400-h268/POISON%20IVY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Few plants in nature illicit as strong of a reaction as
poison ivy, both figuratively and literally. This dreaded plant is native to
North America and Asia and may grow as a vine, small shrub or a small tree-like
plant. Leaves occur in a cluster of three arranged alternately from each other.
This leaf arrangement explains the popular saying “Leaves of three, leave it
be.” <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Leaves may be elliptic or egg-shaped and the edges may be
smooth, lobed, or serrated. In the spring tiny greenish colored blooms appear
and by autumn small white berries are present, “berries white, run in fright.” Vines
are rope-like and hairy. “Hairy vine, no friend of mine.” This is a more
accurate way to identify the vine, as no other vines in our region are covered
in hair, but there are many plants with three leaf configurations, and many are
mistaken for poison ivy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn1eIeM1KRmgrWy1hr9GxhNuQ_3vfAeJZY2-q9qTKT4CMLGEp_BSf2JM2SXIJ4wjrkauXQ62IB_K2rhottBT8rmi9vio7n44WpfhbpKwAVD6LOm1mH5gnntG7FhCIKzj7trK81X27DXHM5W94nlPcR8xCu9EkvamPdaZju7pEBgq4F2N993KohNaHVKQ/s4032/IMG_5733.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn1eIeM1KRmgrWy1hr9GxhNuQ_3vfAeJZY2-q9qTKT4CMLGEp_BSf2JM2SXIJ4wjrkauXQ62IB_K2rhottBT8rmi9vio7n44WpfhbpKwAVD6LOm1mH5gnntG7FhCIKzj7trK81X27DXHM5W94nlPcR8xCu9EkvamPdaZju7pEBgq4F2N993KohNaHVKQ/w300-h400/IMG_5733.jpeg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">So why the dread? If you have ever experienced a poison
ivy rash, you would know the answer, but for the few who have not they cannot
imagine. The sap within the plant tissue is made up of a compound of multiple
chemicals, the most obnoxious of these is urucshiol (pronounced
yer-OO-shee-all). This compound binds to the skin causing severe itching, which
later develops into reddish inflammation, bumps, and often blisters. Large
quantities of urucshiol has the potential to suppress the body’s production of
prostaglandin, a fatty acid which aids in the body’s ability to battle
inflammation. A full-blown immune reaction occurs, and white blood cells go to
battle within the affected cells and cause the often-extreme contact dermatitis
we experience. In extreme cases anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate
medical care.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">One of the most diabolical aspects of urucshiol is how
little is required for a reaction. An amount smaller than a grain of salt can
lead to a breakout. More than 90% of people are allergic to this compound and
approximately 350,000 people annually experience reactions strong enough to
require medical care. There is no way to know the accuracy of how many
individuals are affected each year as most cases never get reported. A common
myth individuals have in association with poison ivy is the notion they are not
allergic to it. This simply is not true, or at least very unlikely. Just
because you have been fortunate to not experience a reaction from exposure to
the plant, does not mean your luck will continue. Poison ivy is one plant that
breaks down your immune system, therefore the more you are exposed to it the
more likely you are to have a reaction. I for one used to brag about not being
allergic simply because I was arrogant enough to believe that because I had
never had a reaction that I therefore never would. Did I ever learn a lesson
the hard way! I had my first major reaction in my thirties and now find myself
battling reactions multiple times each year. Lesson learned! </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_3ajTw13EwpzdIv5iSp9qC9PWRze18wxMYGiMO2-VwpR_HZ-aY357xw0a6jsUQgTp_jpTQ-V_oRaWr1qu7jL2bnWmn9gyYOKrh32rnUQlMgsavlrLFU-FDbqyQM1g0W3Br6r0tVPifpanYKQktg-KE2Tn4rm8JQGp0SSoLmJsspYTBJ9bq8uT1PX_TU/s630/Poison_ivy_yellow_fall_color_10-27-18.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="630" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_3ajTw13EwpzdIv5iSp9qC9PWRze18wxMYGiMO2-VwpR_HZ-aY357xw0a6jsUQgTp_jpTQ-V_oRaWr1qu7jL2bnWmn9gyYOKrh32rnUQlMgsavlrLFU-FDbqyQM1g0W3Br6r0tVPifpanYKQktg-KE2Tn4rm8JQGp0SSoLmJsspYTBJ9bq8uT1PX_TU/s320/Poison_ivy_yellow_fall_color_10-27-18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Another commonly held belief is that your blistering,
weepy sores will spread the rash. This is not the case. Your body is simply
producing the fluid as an immune response to exposure. The appearance of a
spreading rash instead indicates that some areas of exposed skin received more
poison and reacted sooner than other areas of your skin. Or it may indicate a
reinfection from touching something that came in contact with the oils. This
could be a yard tool such as a hoe or shovel or perhaps a doorknob, faucet, or
other surface you touched inadvertently and left the oils behind. This creates
a real potential for repeated contact, thus extending the length of time of the
rash. Wipe down surfaces with bleach wipes or other commercial cleaner if you
know you’ve come in contact with poison ivy. Urucshiol has a long life on
surfaces and may carry the potential to reinfect for many years after exposure
to the oils. Even dead plants may infect individuals, years after they were
killed. This is one determined plant!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Never burn poison ivy, this creates a serious health
risk. The oils will rise with the smoke and may be inhaled, and a rash will
appear in your lungs causing extreme pain and the potential for respiratory
failure. Eating the plant has its own set of risks. One would think we should
not have to even consider this warning, but there are individuals out there
that swear by eating young, tender, newly developed leaves (one per week for
nine weeks) you will build your immune system and give yourself protection from
a reaction if exposed. Medically we know ingestion can affect the mucus lining
of the mouth and stomach, causing severe stomach pain and may lead to serious
digestive system issues. Is it worth the risk to your health to attempt such a
daring experiment in the hope of building an immunity to this plant? Wouldn’t
avoiding the plant be a better option? </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Generally, the rash appears within a week of exposure,
but for some it may happen in mere hours. I for one fall into the category of
the latter. I can touch the plant and by the end of the day I have a rash! How
do we find relief? If you know you have come in contact with poison ivy, wash
with cold water and soap as quickly as possible. You may try rubbing alcohol
too, as I have heard this works well. I’ve read jewelweed works well as an
alternative for dissolving the oils on your skin if you find yourself away from
a water source and know you’ve been exposed. Jewelweed almost always grows near
poison ivy…coincidence? Maybe not. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8przEYivTSsPmB-TrlydHqEqRqm79D-byJXV893sOaVWHxaPq5wmV0Xuti0w2i-L7wsDMKFb2L4PQMNnQrMy-TzeXrZnMiEys3StW_LjjqyfyayA3uu1eSxJwODYaHL0f5efqd7ZB8t-JYX_vtcMwBpYzu2LFZpYQ6GZNs1zn9HP_JlIc22ijnQT-frw/s1600/jewelweed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8przEYivTSsPmB-TrlydHqEqRqm79D-byJXV893sOaVWHxaPq5wmV0Xuti0w2i-L7wsDMKFb2L4PQMNnQrMy-TzeXrZnMiEys3StW_LjjqyfyayA3uu1eSxJwODYaHL0f5efqd7ZB8t-JYX_vtcMwBpYzu2LFZpYQ6GZNs1zn9HP_JlIc22ijnQT-frw/w640-h368/jewelweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Once the rash appears, try not to scratch the maddening
itch, it will increase the potential for infection. Applying calamine lotion or
a corticosteroid may provide relief. Another potential product to try is
Burow’s Solution, made up of aluminum acetate. <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">You can also create your own treatment using natural
elements. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>Recipe for Poison Ivy Rash Remedy<br /></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>1 bottle witch hazel</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>5-10 jewelweed plants (depending on how much you want
to make)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>1 mason jar</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>Crush the jewelweed plant to release juice, then chop
or tear and fill the jar loosely. Once in jar continue crushing with pestle or
your fingers to release more juices. Add witch hazel and store in cool dark
place for 3 weeks. Drain through a sieve to collect the liquid and throw all
plant material away. Pour liquid into jar making sure no plant material
remains. Apply liberally to ivy rash using a cotton ball, up to 5 times a day.
It will greatly speed up your healing time. </i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These days we hear a lot about climate change with many
individuals feeling very passionate about the effects humans are having on the
atmosphere and weather conditions, still others call it hype. No matter what
side of the aisle you fall on, we know through research that current higher
levels of CO2 in our atmosphere is changing poison ivy. This plant is growing
more vigorously and has doubled in abundance in the past fifty years. The very
chemical balance of the plant is also changing in potency causing an increase
in urucshiol which has nearly doubled since 1960! It will only continue to
increase with more atmospheric carbon. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKiIPLnwgtbmMqeD83pWhunDzRaOFS6f1rMhje4ls3v6I7GIoYX8oY1nZQT2T8wDIKf-yi4SevBUeOWe8mCmjuqiLfoyoxnb2kaaXsBrzG1CgO6afWNskOucSBb-HUt9cZEENL92_doZCI_o2AXRBZSs93JhbLwms8xHKRX-zoAuJ8O5uItuWttMQ-9k/s2200/JBallard_NH-Mascoma-River_Poison-ivy-berries-3.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKiIPLnwgtbmMqeD83pWhunDzRaOFS6f1rMhje4ls3v6I7GIoYX8oY1nZQT2T8wDIKf-yi4SevBUeOWe8mCmjuqiLfoyoxnb2kaaXsBrzG1CgO6afWNskOucSBb-HUt9cZEENL92_doZCI_o2AXRBZSs93JhbLwms8xHKRX-zoAuJ8O5uItuWttMQ-9k/w400-h225/JBallard_NH-Mascoma-River_Poison-ivy-berries-3.webp" width="400" /></a></div>With all the negative aspects attached to poison ivy, is
there a positive? Many ask how is this plant beneficial? I personally think
this is the epitome of human arrogance. This questions alludes to the
presumption that all things in the natural world are designed to benefit
humans. Nature does not work that way. We are but one component in the natural
world. Deer, horses, goats, and other animals all eat the leaves of poison ivy
with no ill effects. Crows, songbirds and raccoons feast on the berries and honeybees
partake of nectar in the spring. If you could ask them you might get a more
balanced answer to the plants benefits. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">While avoiding poison ivy each time we venture outside
may be an impossibility, it doesn’t have to be a deterrent. If nothing else,
poison ivy teaches us to be observant of our surroundings. If you find yourself
in the predicament of being in the middle of the dreaded ivy vine, simply take
a deep breath, wash with cool water, and wait. Maybe it won’t be so bad after
all. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-38719725839726528622023-10-23T19:34:00.001-05:002023-10-23T19:34:23.706-05:00Eastern Parson's Spider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKZKxPwxv52YevFRK2jzdhjzz4JguRFPWfO7OC7tPL_TEOYJiWlrhkjTWb-pov6ofIDM68ZVngEfcPoLBUBiTfpmbjrtC_wXLiVWXqWbJ4-0Zgnf_qZpszC89MKeY_ZGxjkuF_YelTTHpmSLdoplYfUZbEQlEfesRvy12tl4slOUu1KvxkNh5ESzqm10/s2048/parsons%20spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="2048" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKZKxPwxv52YevFRK2jzdhjzz4JguRFPWfO7OC7tPL_TEOYJiWlrhkjTWb-pov6ofIDM68ZVngEfcPoLBUBiTfpmbjrtC_wXLiVWXqWbJ4-0Zgnf_qZpszC89MKeY_ZGxjkuF_YelTTHpmSLdoplYfUZbEQlEfesRvy12tl4slOUu1KvxkNh5ESzqm10/w400-h244/parsons%20spider.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>With Halloween just around the corner, and autumn well
underway, what better creature to write about than a spider. Arachnophobia
ranks as the number one most recognized phobia afflicting people. With one in
four women and one in three men experiencing some form of the often-paralyzing fear
of being faced with a hairy, eight-legged arachnid. I myself am a recovering
arachnophobe. Throughout my childhood and a large portion of my adult life I
was deeply afraid and creeped out by spiders. I knew how irrational this
feeling was, but seemed powerless to stop the overwhelming terror that would
sweep over me at the sight of one making its way across the ceiling of my home.
I made my husband kill each one I discovered, and he had to show me that he had
killed it. I couldn’t bring myself to take his word for it. I needed proof that
he had adequately disposed of it. No way could I sleep knowing a wayward spider
was roaming my house and would end up sharing the warmth of my bed. What a
difference time and education can make. Nearly twenty years ago I became
determined to confront my fear and conquer it once and for all. It started with
baby steps as I photographed spiders in my yard and then made myself learn
about what I photographed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually I
found my fear being replaced by fascination. It took four years, but I felt I
had once and for all left the fear of spiders behind me, so much so I bought my
first tarantula. I now own four tarantulas and deeply respect all spiders.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoZCO3svbJpdcFYSMApR2Oxvuq3gFnmgNglIS2rTJ1qccfGN2ipSSKLVv6i_2SSwq8JOwZOjRv59Y_ykWXUYQS67bEwrm1n7gV3eff2nB6i0jM18JeD4MQf7u8nUDlUFBLIMvDA7_9ge-e-Er9ONQk8Oqc2O9quqrblz7JfW15NYufzm_OjrZ6Ur7d_0/s600/parsons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoZCO3svbJpdcFYSMApR2Oxvuq3gFnmgNglIS2rTJ1qccfGN2ipSSKLVv6i_2SSwq8JOwZOjRv59Y_ykWXUYQS67bEwrm1n7gV3eff2nB6i0jM18JeD4MQf7u8nUDlUFBLIMvDA7_9ge-e-Er9ONQk8Oqc2O9quqrblz7JfW15NYufzm_OjrZ6Ur7d_0/w400-h233/parsons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This week I am featuring a spider many may have
encountered, but few will know what it is. The Eastern Parson’s Spider is
common in woodlands throughout Eastern North America, but also finds its way
into homes in fall. These are small to somewhat medium sized spiders with a
velvety black appearance. The legs are typically chestnut- colored and the
abdomen will have a white or pinkish marking that resembles the cravat worn by
clergymen during the Victorian era, which earned them the common name of
Parson’s spider.
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Parson’s spiders are in the family of ground dwelling
spiders and as such are generally found speedily moving among leaf litter on
the forest floor actively hunting for food. However, being classified as a
ground spider doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t climb, because they certainly
will. While they can spin silk, they do not spin webs, instead they ambush prey
and then rapidly run in for the kill. Nocturnal by nature they hunt for various
insects and other spiders during the cover of darkness. In the daylight hours
they are secreted away under leaf litter, stones, logs and even in our homes. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxRtsUVRiJff9_zbIC-y7hnqJNPC_yEiQSczCX-gVu820so7A5Uo1rZtaMo6odo-cQG8PPpuxhFdsjSiz3CIpM4lF4UrIMyJtq3_UUo7N4pk9MR7AE91VdgrQ7biYjQKHMSkYKtyDzcIwBZ4DXCn7PLiksnNqfTRefZMOf_3OE3vmsEdb9oLyOqpHa1o/s600/eastern%20parsons%20spider1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxRtsUVRiJff9_zbIC-y7hnqJNPC_yEiQSczCX-gVu820so7A5Uo1rZtaMo6odo-cQG8PPpuxhFdsjSiz3CIpM4lF4UrIMyJtq3_UUo7N4pk9MR7AE91VdgrQ7biYjQKHMSkYKtyDzcIwBZ4DXCn7PLiksnNqfTRefZMOf_3OE3vmsEdb9oLyOqpHa1o/w640-h210/eastern%20parsons%20spider1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It is these wayward individuals that end up in our home
that we are likely to see and then question what this unusual spider may be.
When approached they are little speed demons that move in a rapid zig-zag bob-and-weave
pattern that leaves us wondering if we actually saw what we thought we saw as
this spunky little spider disappears out of sight. You are not likely to find a
web in the corner of your living room to advertise this little eight-legged
interlopers hiding spot. Instead, it will hide in the dark recesses of our
homes, including closets, basements, cellars, under our bed and sinks.
Fortunately, they will not breed within our homes, instead these spiders are
simply looking for a safe place to spend the winter with ample hiding spots and
food supplies available for the taking. Very little is known about their
breeding cycle, but it is known that the female will deposit a silken disc-shaped
egg sac, usually under the bark of a tree that she guards from predators. This
egg sac may contain as many as 170 spiderlings. Because these spiders are found
in all seasons, and at all stages of development it is safe to say they are
probably a fairly long-lived species. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I would hazard a guess that most people faced with a
spider living in their home want nothing more than for it to NOT be there. Some
will take the gentle route and escort the uninvited guest outside where it
belongs. Others, take a more aggressive approach and apply a size 9 boot stomp
to solve the problem. I understand both responses but would encourage the
former rather than the later. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These spiders are considered harmless to humans and pets,
but with that being said there are exceptions. Like all spiders they possess
venom to subdue their prey and help liquefy it for digestion. This venom is almost
always harmless to us, but it some extreme cases a bite from this spider may
cause reactions that require medical attention. The bite is reported to be
painful, with a typical reaction being mild itching, and slight inflammation at
the bite sight. This usually lasts for a few minutes to a few hours with no
other lasting effects from the unfortunate encounter. On the extreme end of the
spectrum of reactions, individuals may experience swelling, nausea,
nervousness, elevated temperatures, racing heartbeat, itching, inflammation and
necroses of flesh at the bite sight as the venom dissolves skin tissue. If a
person were to experience this type of atypical reaction medical care is
required. Bites happen when the spider finds itself trapped between your skin
and clothing or caught up in your bedding and rolled on. Any self-respecting
spider is going to bite when finding itself being smashed. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA5te8k09kp7nXhT2liyQpN8_SfM2NI8M-YK21hw9-8jWP8lbwz-gjOAc3BuiYXVBI_72XPbM8mGYTKjYasr5kabPMmGwDf6njFuoY4NpjUIrTaiaaZvNH5KRTUAVXYqp1Mxw0eifGTclMveiwo7rMNcj_7DnooplJimeOf82WcFoInffssVr_t5Dxr8/s5184/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA5te8k09kp7nXhT2liyQpN8_SfM2NI8M-YK21hw9-8jWP8lbwz-gjOAc3BuiYXVBI_72XPbM8mGYTKjYasr5kabPMmGwDf6njFuoY4NpjUIrTaiaaZvNH5KRTUAVXYqp1Mxw0eifGTclMveiwo7rMNcj_7DnooplJimeOf82WcFoInffssVr_t5Dxr8/w400-h266/045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Because autumn is the time of year when spiders often
move into our dwellings, it is always wise to shake out clothing, and bedding
that has been stored, as these make great hiding spots for spiders. Always
check shoes or boots before placing your foot inside. To help mitigate
populations of spiders showing up within your home, controlling their food
sources and hiding spots will go a long way in making your place inhospitable
to them. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Halloween is the time of year when we celebrate all
things scary, creepy, odd, and mysterious. Spiders seem to fall into each of
these categories, and if you dare…… face your fear this year and see the spider
in a whole new light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-79226765814028359822023-10-08T13:21:00.002-05:002023-11-08T13:44:40.377-06:00Gray Treefrog<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As we say goodbye to another summer as it wanes into
autumn, I am reminded of how silent the landscape is soon to become. Winter
with its dark gloomy days, cold temperatures, and seemingly desolate landscape,
always makes me long for the return of spring and of one of my favorite
sounds---the call of the frogs and toads.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQhK9-L9iffiT_iJY3xEAEcL04CQnqeFnJrzUOwq7LspcVw8PClI_mWjiNQASqvLRJDb83fTFAFuVkcKIqm7N9GVa7NYdOLduwOKEmc92V0A4_p5KVD0sI8ZbGe-82kML48-OBt8bbZiITHTFmWPioixOtAunu_e5WB06T9QPt-UwK7wKyT4AxTscqJ4/s1600/tree%20frog%20tulip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQhK9-L9iffiT_iJY3xEAEcL04CQnqeFnJrzUOwq7LspcVw8PClI_mWjiNQASqvLRJDb83fTFAFuVkcKIqm7N9GVa7NYdOLduwOKEmc92V0A4_p5KVD0sI8ZbGe-82kML48-OBt8bbZiITHTFmWPioixOtAunu_e5WB06T9QPt-UwK7wKyT4AxTscqJ4/w295-h400/tree%20frog%20tulip.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Pretty tulip all red and white</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Little did you know what would turn up inside</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A little tree frog hopped into sight.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Unexpected surprise, on the wind he did ride.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Tulip in the wind shaking to and fro..</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Still the little tree frog held on tight....</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The wind battered tulip held this little beau</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Keeping his perch til night.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Suddenly to the right, a sound,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A tiny cousin, a Boreal Chorus Frog sang out loud.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Small it's true, with eyes bright and round,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He sings with feeling, his notes abound.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Night has risen, day is done</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Frogs everywhere, gray, and green</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">With songs all joined, the chorus is begun</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I sit and I listen, as is my routine.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Spring and Summer oh what a joy.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But alas the season must end.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Winters wind does summer’s heat destroy.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now I must sit and wait for the return of my friends.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Recently, as I was doing laundry in my basement, I
reached for the handle of the door into my laundry room and came in contact
with a cold, slimy moving object. Somewhat startled by the unexpected surprise,
I had to laugh as I realized it was a tiny treefrog. This is not the first time
a treefrog has made its way into my basement, and each time I find it by
happenstance as my hand comes into contact with its cold, slimy body. I
released the most recent interloper to the front yard and was prompted to
feature them in this weeks article. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKb9tzxooy0X9mvfdIUdnEYfsafwlo9X4YE34UQFKgyYg5NbSGwjjc5qfAMbNqionQWDuSfwApoamtAlP_F4H7-eoKxdZSLMDPSdWmRMAhNlItSqqQl_XvaksuMfxzCy7cD3h1hzKvEYF-4PSdmVGFjQHqf8t7i9S1xxM6fPVwqxtT4PWlJTVVyrPz74/s1600/treefrog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKb9tzxooy0X9mvfdIUdnEYfsafwlo9X4YE34UQFKgyYg5NbSGwjjc5qfAMbNqionQWDuSfwApoamtAlP_F4H7-eoKxdZSLMDPSdWmRMAhNlItSqqQl_XvaksuMfxzCy7cD3h1hzKvEYF-4PSdmVGFjQHqf8t7i9S1xxM6fPVwqxtT4PWlJTVVyrPz74/w400-h251/treefrog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The name gray treefrog is a bit of a misnomer as they may
be gray, green, brown, nearly black, or even nearly white. Their species name
of Hyla Versicolor came from the Greek word “hyla” which translates to “belonging
to the woods” and the Latin word “versi” which means various and “color” which
means color. So, their scientific name literally means “variable colored
belonging to the woods.” As an arboreal frog that finds its home among the
trees and can change its color much like a chameleon (albeit at a slower rate),
this is an apt name for this species. This color </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMSd-SKUVnbedO7RWqsmUfGTnw1H4p3bA34qYmk1cns7GAJwHxBwV-IFb-PzmNsU__r2Dx2y2sLDh7Xi5pEwrtNj1DtzAO5a26oGxcpYdvT35jCnuT5ObhApnhV4Jdy_tlME5wQx71w68F1g3O6EZ2yqHrn3zrgg39TBOasmDqBWASWMhDCup6lNDj8M/s3966/gray%20tree%20frog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2478" data-original-width="3966" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMSd-SKUVnbedO7RWqsmUfGTnw1H4p3bA34qYmk1cns7GAJwHxBwV-IFb-PzmNsU__r2Dx2y2sLDh7Xi5pEwrtNj1DtzAO5a26oGxcpYdvT35jCnuT5ObhApnhV4Jdy_tlME5wQx71w68F1g3O6EZ2yqHrn3zrgg39TBOasmDqBWASWMhDCup6lNDj8M/w400-h250/gray%20tree%20frog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>change ability is a great way
to avoid predators such as snakes, skunks, and even other frogs who may want to
eat them. They have a blotchy pattern on their backs that resembles lichen, the
skin appears lumpy, giving them a warty appearance. Females at nearly two
inches in length are a little larger than their male counterparts. Both genders
have a unique feature, the underside of their front and back legs have a dark
band-like pattern that starkly contrasts with bright yellow patches visible
when hopping or climbing. Their feet are webbed and tipped with toe pads that
secrete an adhesive substance that works like suction cups, allowing them to
climb trees or even the vertical surface of our homes. They secrete a poisonous
substance from their skin that makes them distasteful to some predators and may
cause eye irritation if you rub your eyes after touching one. It’s okay to
catch them, just wash your hands afterwards.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nyt8e0v-rVwNfiwD0PJwXGnHEt5X5vPH4Itme932wTB3UoTcyaJTOJkDIXsmOyyvJxdeFGNykZDUTj7D6iraIDSEKPUnbGDbe_WNN1FJajfs795s42TIIf1O4wc3Y4EsLwo5NwN8kk3F0mzsPa1xV4iThVKWa-wnCCxhUWQtYwxKz1f83xzDux8viFk/s3020/IMG_5772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="2265" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nyt8e0v-rVwNfiwD0PJwXGnHEt5X5vPH4Itme932wTB3UoTcyaJTOJkDIXsmOyyvJxdeFGNykZDUTj7D6iraIDSEKPUnbGDbe_WNN1FJajfs795s42TIIf1O4wc3Y4EsLwo5NwN8kk3F0mzsPa1xV4iThVKWa-wnCCxhUWQtYwxKz1f83xzDux8viFk/w300-h400/IMG_5772.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Like all frogs they use sound to communicate. Songs may
be used to attract mates or to intimidate rival males. Or to drive tired humans
insane at night when they incessantly call from the shutters on your home (or
so I’ve heard)! Soon after they emerge from hibernation the males locate
suitable ponds, or other water sources, typically free of fish to begin
serenading nearby females. If rival males show up, they will vigorously defend their
real estate by wrestling, shoving, kicking or even head butting the unwanted
competition. Females choose the most viral male based on the strength and
pattern of his mating call. Up to two thousand eggs will be deposited in
clusters that attach to pond plants or other structures within the water. In
about four days the eggs hatch. The tadpoles are as variable in color as the
adults. They are rounded with high, wide tails. If predators are sharing the
same area, the tails may be red or orange as a form of defense against
predation. Bright colors in nature typically advertise something is either
dangerous or nasty tasting. Within two to three months the tadpoles transform
into tiny froglets that now live on land. Froglets tend to be green and often
stay that way until they reach their full adult size, when they begin utilizing
the camouflage abilities they were born with. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6XCQ58nWqfcPwqz4Mkm0QGnBCj14FMYYY__mVsA34LIzF8e4ChfPqGxNZKJGO7Onfb0YuQZv9Lth3CV_5SXnIId-Ch40U_fT0l8pko4zcNxH-mUnp9o3K9-OJxJW9lJ9dZl6MNLxt2l-aktvhQvdArLc3py8UG_A-x2xosXH41fo7VV0bGUSRDrVwWM/s1600/tree%20frog%20001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6XCQ58nWqfcPwqz4Mkm0QGnBCj14FMYYY__mVsA34LIzF8e4ChfPqGxNZKJGO7Onfb0YuQZv9Lth3CV_5SXnIId-Ch40U_fT0l8pko4zcNxH-mUnp9o3K9-OJxJW9lJ9dZl6MNLxt2l-aktvhQvdArLc3py8UG_A-x2xosXH41fo7VV0bGUSRDrVwWM/w400-h268/tree%20frog%20001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nocturnal by nature, it is not uncommon to find them at
pole lights, porch lights and other artificial light, these are the smart,
enterprising, although a tad bit lazy hunters. Treefrogs feed on a wide variety
of insects, spiders and even each other if given the opportunity. Because of
their preference for feasting on insects they are beneficial in controlling
these sometimes annoying or even destructive pests. During the day they hide
under logs, bark, or various manmade structures. This particular species will
sometimes be found basking in the sun, which is a somewhat odd behavior for
frogs as most are prone to desiccation and may rapidly dry out. Tree frogs
however seem to tolerate a certain amount of exposure to heat and sunlight
without fear of dehydration and death. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzG37olMa9Kx6sHrPSRqcNw81DoT9NPZ7uESi5AUTJnYgcT-2EFsjgbQNJnxERVV_YZf-qOy8Ri1UvyENdifGNmDdenv79i_4SyCINRnMLr7BN7B4tKmwIALNKIZaAtRSwwh-tlDVnf12HH45VWcBbJQCA7JG1vaas8UjViQ9NUUe3pglnHuPZt-rQ_M/s4032/IMG_5770.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzG37olMa9Kx6sHrPSRqcNw81DoT9NPZ7uESi5AUTJnYgcT-2EFsjgbQNJnxERVV_YZf-qOy8Ri1UvyENdifGNmDdenv79i_4SyCINRnMLr7BN7B4tKmwIALNKIZaAtRSwwh-tlDVnf12HH45VWcBbJQCA7JG1vaas8UjViQ9NUUe3pglnHuPZt-rQ_M/s320/IMG_5770.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Nearly all frogs are considered an indicator species. The
skin of frogs is permeable and more vulnerable to environmental changes. If an
ecosystem contains a healthy population of frogs, one can assume the nearby
habitats are healthy as well. For this reason alone, they are one of the most
important components of their given habitat. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIlIFjrnSs-mLXYxg8Loo7wTWOIDxx3id8eX6Fx111DWStQ0bWhTEmE9aEW-VnifkIHAjUiagWelYviXeSaGn7ZIr2EJ9mXHW6Zm7b5NFJ-F2Hy7pdH7JPBqXAFuj7DKTF1XXFE-knfnoJn2h-nlRZ1ypuJiRx0rOgSneUKEdcwCFKVcCeObHl7_jfxE/s1600/tree%20frog%20cornstalk.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIlIFjrnSs-mLXYxg8Loo7wTWOIDxx3id8eX6Fx111DWStQ0bWhTEmE9aEW-VnifkIHAjUiagWelYviXeSaGn7ZIr2EJ9mXHW6Zm7b5NFJ-F2Hy7pdH7JPBqXAFuj7DKTF1XXFE-knfnoJn2h-nlRZ1ypuJiRx0rOgSneUKEdcwCFKVcCeObHl7_jfxE/w400-h268/tree%20frog%20cornstalk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As winter approaches frogs begin turning their energy
towards hibernation. All frogs located in cold climates contain something in
their blood similar to anti-freeze called glycerol. Up to 80% of the treefrogs
bodily fluids are made up of this substance, allowing it to survive internal
temperatures of 18 degrees Fahrenheit. The remaining fluids will freeze, and
the eyes become opaque. Their breathing and heart beats are temporarily
suspended. This ability to suspend bodily functions will see them through the
winter until spring returns. At that time their bodies will gradually acclimate
to the slowly warming temperatures, thus thawing the frog. One of the reasons I
encourage people to leave their leaves is by doing so you are leaving a buffer
of natural insulation for frogs and insects that utilize them for winter
hibernation. I never rake my yard until spring when I clean up the flower beds.
I know all those creatures living in my yard that depend on them are resting
easy for the long cold winter. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Soon winter will put itself to bed and spring will
return, along with the welcome call of the frogs. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJeO040tC2c_QWZsnf7ougvgaDO8VJmi4SVtlX3pugbJ1P_KEq74quBFcykCb0LGgPW7aBUC4dUzh6TP8HW0DV_hXjZyPrZ3ZCI6IVtV-5E71ODsKiAVTomRilwmeCDyGJT4URvw2c9NI59PzFkwUUWzfQZNlT-DAKDKH4rRTqx7FgLb-g6mhfhZckOs/s720/35799_1472335616006_1462127505_31220818_6287238_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="720" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJeO040tC2c_QWZsnf7ougvgaDO8VJmi4SVtlX3pugbJ1P_KEq74quBFcykCb0LGgPW7aBUC4dUzh6TP8HW0DV_hXjZyPrZ3ZCI6IVtV-5E71ODsKiAVTomRilwmeCDyGJT4URvw2c9NI59PzFkwUUWzfQZNlT-DAKDKH4rRTqx7FgLb-g6mhfhZckOs/w640-h386/35799_1472335616006_1462127505_31220818_6287238_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: verdana;">“What is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely
cry of a whippoorwill, or the arguments of the frogs around the pond?” ---Chief
Seattle- 1854</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"> </p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-63558524582150502372023-10-02T22:47:00.003-05:002023-10-02T22:55:29.841-05:00Stretch Spiders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYe7MqLFI8kbt5RUWUgjXUwSfTnE_6I0oZUBAdPl4wMd4-YXO8OBN7tmcyHSfgf_EmvkWiYeUzlD8OtKpgmMBCiNyJobJqLlNzsKRuo6Azfjc8nhgYGSUYGMC-qOqWGfcthyMsYdO7fmrG8mKDEi3_ZuFgFLORifssE7wov4l8-JrPKJi3btllRNqBRw/s960/10981727_10206441260897960_767452900524207073_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="960" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYe7MqLFI8kbt5RUWUgjXUwSfTnE_6I0oZUBAdPl4wMd4-YXO8OBN7tmcyHSfgf_EmvkWiYeUzlD8OtKpgmMBCiNyJobJqLlNzsKRuo6Azfjc8nhgYGSUYGMC-qOqWGfcthyMsYdO7fmrG8mKDEi3_ZuFgFLORifssE7wov4l8-JrPKJi3btllRNqBRw/w400-h264/10981727_10206441260897960_767452900524207073_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Long-Jawed Orb Weavers
in the family <i>Tetragnathidae</i>, were first described in 1866 by a German
entomologist named Anton Menge. This family name comes from the Greek words <i>Tetra</i>,
and <i>Gnathes</i>, meaning four jaws. Which is an apt description for these odd
spiders. The male and female both have large, elongated mouthparts. Which are
exaggerated in size in comparison to their bodies to the point of being comical.
Other common names attributed to this group of spiders is stretch spiders or
stilt spiders, which seems a more apt descriptor. These spiders rest with their
front and back legs stretched in front and behind their bodies giving them an
extremely elongated appearance. This allows them to hide among grasses and
other weedy plants without being seen. With hungry birds on the lookout for
tasty spiders, this is a great way to keep out of sight. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes these spiders
wait in the center of the web or off to the side; camouflaged by their
characteristic posture. If disturbed, they rush into the vegetation and wrap
their legs around a blade of grass, or they drop to the ground. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">They are not particularly
defensive and will try to remain hidden rather that seek confrontation. Like
all spiders they have venom and have control over the amount delivered,
dependent upon what the occasion calls for. The venom they possess is designed
to subdue small prey items not to harm humans. However, because of their extremely
large jaws, it could prove to be painful. Best to observe and not disturb.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNFBbIiQb__-HQGU1IlzkIyGDq8PztfwMRkXL2dKAXopdG1lHIBUAJ9O2oTIwxZJuikQlVhmqLl8vqHpqMm2tOXkXca3S6sXe2_sz9Y4v1iA2VVcvGf1KJ8yQhm3IURz4c_H3Q73_-mlskRw1VyJMx0o1esK1PWBaU-bAW8UBkfkEGl75XYzGSpmyVJk/s960/10988087_10206441261257969_720267231577075008_n.jpg" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNFBbIiQb__-HQGU1IlzkIyGDq8PztfwMRkXL2dKAXopdG1lHIBUAJ9O2oTIwxZJuikQlVhmqLl8vqHpqMm2tOXkXca3S6sXe2_sz9Y4v1iA2VVcvGf1KJ8yQhm3IURz4c_H3Q73_-mlskRw1VyJMx0o1esK1PWBaU-bAW8UBkfkEGl75XYzGSpmyVJk/w640-h400/10988087_10206441261257969_720267231577075008_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />This species is
highly variable in appearance and may be creamy-yellow to greenish, on their
underside is a thick black stripe with silvery bands on either side.<span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> Body length is
approximately one inch, but with those long, outstretched legs they appear much
larger.</span></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">There are nearly a
thousand species within this family of spiders, with only fifteen known species
in North America. Most are associated with tropical and sub-tropical climates. Several
species are found in Missouri and one of the most common is the one pictured
here called <i>Tetragnatha extensa</i>. I could not find a common name for this
particular spider, but it is the one you are most likely to see near bodies of
water such as lakes, ponds, and streams in our state. I find them frequently
near ponds with their legs outstretched, hiding among the vegetation waiting
for food to pass by. Like their cousins, the garden spiders we typically find
in our gardens or hanging in the eaves of our homes, these spiders also </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">spin orb webs. Their
webs are more loosely woven than those of their cousins, with fewer spokes and an
open hole in the center. Not nearly the works of art like the webs their cousins
create. Nearly all orb weaver spiders rebuild their webs each evening. After a
long night of insects bombarding the web, it sustains damage that makes
catching the next day’s meal more difficult. Better to start the night off with
a fresh web. In the case of long-jawed orb weavers their webs are tilted,
sometimes in an almost-horizontal direction. How come? Because their webs are
often situated over the water’s surface. There, insects like mayflies, midges,
gnats, and caddisflies, which start their life as nymphs underwater, will
emerge from the water as adults and fly directly up into the awaiting
long-jawed spiders net.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINVw26bu5HZUNiIlILxMaMa5AnhaLNf5lcLseibw1hVutFP8_DnVqtqO1r-MaANgBS-P2B8VnbyWTK_9KF9uICN6sDDTXnGahKjNXumyspoBI4lMCr3vpSdCdq8i9Gg1zGM_WoWmHbVkg6FJltvS04y65IYp0ffcKYfVWABEs5e38rkqPQ1DN2tCJJm0/s1600/long-jawed%20orb%20weaver%202rs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINVw26bu5HZUNiIlILxMaMa5AnhaLNf5lcLseibw1hVutFP8_DnVqtqO1r-MaANgBS-P2B8VnbyWTK_9KF9uICN6sDDTXnGahKjNXumyspoBI4lMCr3vpSdCdq8i9Gg1zGM_WoWmHbVkg6FJltvS04y65IYp0ffcKYfVWABEs5e38rkqPQ1DN2tCJJm0/w400-h225/long-jawed%20orb%20weaver%202rs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Living near water not
only provides the spider with supper, but it also provides vital humidity that
keeps the spiders from desiccating or drying out. Temperature is the number one
dehydrating factor more so than the humidity in the spider’s microhabitat, the spider
can put up with a certain amount of dehydration if prey is plentiful. Meaning
they will get most of their hydration from their prey. They also require weedy
plants to camouflage themselves to avoid predation. They need access to open
water, plenty of available prey, and suitable vegetation to anchor themselves to.
</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Most spiders are
intolerant of neighboring spiders and often avoid building webs in close
proximity of them. However, this particular group of spiders doesn’t seem to mind
having neighbors and are often found in groups. The one pictured here was
photographed near our pond, and there were many others in the area as well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnwpg6ICjObxxIwLIru7hUdpc8t9tPczE1Xma8jaN-KYBig7whFlbhLmO7PWkf82JdGCjtn3bhDCPtyLHk1IgjfQ-Y6asQFsSAqtBY835tz4M-Muy4fXpqdlGPtppqNBEWFQs9haCz_lUaKjpqasrP0DhM55qH_1shGMbgtHD5Zk5CQgsDhOuzUW9jLA/s1600/long%20jawed%20orb%20weaver%20closeuprs.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnwpg6ICjObxxIwLIru7hUdpc8t9tPczE1Xma8jaN-KYBig7whFlbhLmO7PWkf82JdGCjtn3bhDCPtyLHk1IgjfQ-Y6asQFsSAqtBY835tz4M-Muy4fXpqdlGPtppqNBEWFQs9haCz_lUaKjpqasrP0DhM55qH_1shGMbgtHD5Zk5CQgsDhOuzUW9jLA/s320/long%20jawed%20orb%20weaver%20closeuprs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Like
most spiders, mating occurs in late summer and is quite brief. Males and
females lock jaws, this “lip-locked,” position means she cannot eat her mate. He
uses his pedipalps to deliver his reproductive fluids to her, and a subsequent egg
sac is then attached to nearby vegetation. Often the female will guard the eggs
temporarily, but she is destined to die in a few weeks. The spiderlings will remain
in the egg sac all winter and emerge the following spring.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">These spiders are truly adapted to life near water, they build stringy
webs near cattails and other aquatic vegetation and take advantage of emerging
aquatic insects as a food source. If one should happen to fall into the water,
no worries, they can walk on water. Provided of course they get a move on it
before a hungry bass or frog makes a meal out of them.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOcGtG9lybZqIv6LgmHtnAd0PVR1gou1Au8R37Kppzz1eNgntL2BGS3fetRuB7e4c62aOBTzjJE5rC4fYpjE19hN1Hq10QRgTRC9L1T8OfRxi2137I3xCQCIHw10u8eBfdjC1R5ZlPiTjui7kkoomktRsrTX4L4jFGoq3PYLzZqOShu9saaZANawqD2g/s960/11215069_10206441259257919_8207114263021110984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="960" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOcGtG9lybZqIv6LgmHtnAd0PVR1gou1Au8R37Kppzz1eNgntL2BGS3fetRuB7e4c62aOBTzjJE5rC4fYpjE19hN1Hq10QRgTRC9L1T8OfRxi2137I3xCQCIHw10u8eBfdjC1R5ZlPiTjui7kkoomktRsrTX4L4jFGoq3PYLzZqOShu9saaZANawqD2g/w400-h217/11215069_10206441259257919_8207114263021110984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><p></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-90186593390576413432023-09-27T15:00:00.001-05:002023-10-06T12:54:33.781-05:00Black VuLtUrEs<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nSWspSbS2O_AumzRrppYxlWbGxijpWzc1Usm0zqFzK1tUkXkoJIkhRtNfUf_CIKEUTndg-g2xfyPUl52dVy2Mr8sgsRfBUgvKeB451VvcXfqVtx6cm2xtOUMWzPS2RIVHocwU4oPBajg-jSEOEi1LvrchaEbs3hqbvXQ6FIGXoAZpImi-nvGm5LomSo/s2048/23A7D792-9C29-4284-8A7E-B90D9CDD858F.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nSWspSbS2O_AumzRrppYxlWbGxijpWzc1Usm0zqFzK1tUkXkoJIkhRtNfUf_CIKEUTndg-g2xfyPUl52dVy2Mr8sgsRfBUgvKeB451VvcXfqVtx6cm2xtOUMWzPS2RIVHocwU4oPBajg-jSEOEi1LvrchaEbs3hqbvXQ6FIGXoAZpImi-nvGm5LomSo/w640-h416/23A7D792-9C29-4284-8A7E-B90D9CDD858F.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Fossil records indicate that black vultures were part of
the fauna in Europe approximately thirty-four million years ago. Today these
vultures are only found throughout North and South America. Traditionally black
vultures were found in the southeastern United States, but sometime in the
1990’s they began spreading their population further north and westward into
the midwestern states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These large,
gregarious birds occur in Missouri, predominantly in the southern portion of
our state. However, in recent years they have been expanding their range to
include Northern Missouri as more sightings are being reported in our corner of
the state. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Black vultures are cousins to the more common turkey
vulture, and approximately the same size with a 4.9-foot wingspan. Black
vultures tend to be more stocky in their build and are uniformly black in color
including their featherless head. In fact, their species name of “<i>atratus</i>”
translates to “clothed in black.” The common name vulture is derived from the
Latin word <i>Vulturus</i> which means “tearer” and refers to their feeding
habits. Like all vultures they feed predominantly on the carrion of a wide
variety of animals. Of the two species of vultures living in Missouri however,
the diet of the black vulture is much more varied and does include living
animals as well as vegetation. They may feed on birds, reptile eggs, small
mammals, as well as refuse from dumps, and controversially the offspring of
livestock. Reports from cattle ranchers began pouring in of black vultures
attacking newly born calves by pecking their eyes and or nostrils and mouths.
This causes the calf to go into shock making it possible for the black vulture
to ultimately kill and eat the calf. They extend this behavior to piglets and
lambs as well. Why black vultures exhibit this type of behavior has yet to be
fully determined, but there are ongoing studies to try and gain some insight
and hopefully some answers. With adequate information, it may be possible to
come up with solutions to protect livestock as well as the vulture. The black
vulture is the only New World vulture known to feed on livestock, the more mild-mannered
turkey vulture does not, however he does sometimes get blamed for it. If you
are a cattle rancher or livestock owner and see vultures feeding on your calves
you probably aren’t going to care who killed the calf, only that its dead and
being fed on. It is vitally important though to make that determination so
innocent animals aren’t being slaughtered in the name of protecting your
livestock. Young turkey vultures often do not have the classic red head and can
easily be mistaken for a black vulture. Turkey vultures will show up to a
recently killed carcass to feed and may get caught in the crossfire of the bad
behavior of the black vulture. It can be very distressing to lose livestock,
especially in such a horrific way. This is not only upsetting but impacts
ranchers financially. It is imperative that an accurate determination is made
as to whether or not the black vulture is to blame for the death of a calf, or
if the vultures are actually feeding on a stillborn and being falsely accused
of killing the calf. Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act of 1918 in the United States. It is illegal to take, possess, or
kill one without a permit. Getting caught killing one without due cause and
special permits can cost you up to $15,000 and six months in prison. Always
document and report issues these vultures may be causing and apply for the
right permits to control the situation. This protects you, your livestock and
potentially the vulture from wanton killing. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWEEGEc1PMUqCji0WqlI5Zmjm8iNnrzExhrkqk-PcQUty6lpMOFkv-Bj6FA_RaBqEnxeID422v4HrT_zSW1n8mQSllEcX3N1QrpmBj1BWONhQxlVWpwbID8Ec3Nls6q6r92fX6i6ovnOp5DLn6lUstA7xK8beAXLSr16TPnQe9Zy9oFtJNrSjYzgo3ds/s2048/20645111_10213492611777325_1091043662814730889_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="2048" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWEEGEc1PMUqCji0WqlI5Zmjm8iNnrzExhrkqk-PcQUty6lpMOFkv-Bj6FA_RaBqEnxeID422v4HrT_zSW1n8mQSllEcX3N1QrpmBj1BWONhQxlVWpwbID8Ec3Nls6q6r92fX6i6ovnOp5DLn6lUstA7xK8beAXLSr16TPnQe9Zy9oFtJNrSjYzgo3ds/w400-h241/20645111_10213492611777325_1091043662814730889_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Until the 1900’s black vultures were appreciated as
slaughterhouse cleaners, especially in the southwest where their populations
were much larger. Misinformed humans began believing these birds were spreading
diseases to humans and thousands were killed throughout the 1970’s. With
climate change and an abundance of carrion and other food sources their
population has rebounded and they have expanded their range. Vultures are an
important part of a healthy ecosystem and are vital for cleaning up carrion.
The feeding habits of these birds allow carcasses to decompose faster thus
removing them from the environment much quicker. With a decrease in vulture
populations there will be an increase in the populations of larger predators
such as coyotes which may cause a more serious threat to livestock if left
unchecked. The absence of vultures may also increase the abundance of rats and
feral hogs which in turn will increase the potential for anthrax and rabies
virus to increase and create definite health risks for humans. Vultures are not
known to catch or transmit any diseases and have special enzymes in their
digestive system which allows for them to eat decaying animal carcasses without
risk of contracting pathogens that might make other animals serious ill or even
kill them. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Black vultures are highly social birds with dedicated
family bonds. They will share food with other family members and continue
feeding their offspring long after they have fledged. They lack a voice box and
communicate through hisses and grunts. When threatened they may regurgitate a
recent meal as a deterrent and also as a means to release weight and be able to
retreat more quickly. I’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to experience this
first hand. Once while returning a baby turkey vulture to its mother inside a
shed where she was rearing them, the baby let me know just how it felt about being
handled by a human as it vomited all down the front of me. The smell simply
cannot be described! Their corrosive vomit reeks of the death it has consumed.
Believe me when I say it is a deterrent! </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtYIeCD5umojjwVMxKCauGI4mOXniQvDc9tSZtAf_EERP3GqjK9DIUdveP8FNxQNNZhLhikWs60Va7lYPa8hLMwIYijniB2NmED12xIaxG3X2bTfPtzj8qFSUY2_OKpU05yU8l8kkMgiQwIaLbzNeDjhz33hXd2bxaw1WS44Ygijwz1RRuNT8qhMn6Bw/s600/375837_3955346809734_401453161_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtYIeCD5umojjwVMxKCauGI4mOXniQvDc9tSZtAf_EERP3GqjK9DIUdveP8FNxQNNZhLhikWs60Va7lYPa8hLMwIYijniB2NmED12xIaxG3X2bTfPtzj8qFSUY2_OKpU05yU8l8kkMgiQwIaLbzNeDjhz33hXd2bxaw1WS44Ygijwz1RRuNT8qhMn6Bw/w400-h231/375837_3955346809734_401453161_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey vultures on a recently deceased deer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Black vultures have a poor sense of smell, but keen
eyesight. They often soar high in the sky above the turkey vultures waiting for
them to smell a potential food source. Turkey vultures have a keen sense of
smell and can home in on the gases emitted by a recently deceased carcass from
up to a mile away. The black vulture will follow the turkey vulture to the food
it so kindly sniffed out and then proceed to run them off with their much more
aggressive attitude. <br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of all the birds that grace our skies, vultures are my
favorite. They are one of the most misunderstood and vilified of our raptors.
Often held in contempt for doing what nature programmed them to do, and for
generations were needlessly persecuted by misinformed individuals. These birds
are unique and ecologically important for a healthy environment. Images of
their large wings spread towards the sun as they bask, soaking up the heat of
the sun’s rays is as recognizable as their silhouette soaring high in the sky. A
sky without vultures would be an empty sky for sure. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExm3DH_d2JmXe1mnW-2RWNDa7XBqN_syKbX9nX21HwkwoJy6Rt1H2SqPQsmJxuyDvYDQCvepdxPEzw-bV39iwwwNJ7bUBTiW5gjFsMAY8d7M1xaYJNmUhjI4WL0yQS-JdyzMZMtfLQxSrycbhbuugHgOadnBstu51BDT9vj1lSOuojIYNRTnVtGxnjew/s2048/20645470_10213492611297313_6608353449223004621_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExm3DH_d2JmXe1mnW-2RWNDa7XBqN_syKbX9nX21HwkwoJy6Rt1H2SqPQsmJxuyDvYDQCvepdxPEzw-bV39iwwwNJ7bUBTiW5gjFsMAY8d7M1xaYJNmUhjI4WL0yQS-JdyzMZMtfLQxSrycbhbuugHgOadnBstu51BDT9vj1lSOuojIYNRTnVtGxnjew/w640-h458/20645470_10213492611297313_6608353449223004621_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-43203717993541218562023-09-22T15:32:00.000-05:002023-09-22T15:32:07.768-05:00Caesar Mushroom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynPoOyuwJ0ckJP5-fTvrIZVBS06ZHtIkQ2x9HjIdaOWyyPr0pClmoWj9cTyrnO2uHK9mg34M_Kp6U-2Qdimsc7XDo-NKf_B_RgT77MAIQHBHHW091xaZf52Mr6tzPw1gmcvwng0VnuBMEN-Rs6pD5VC1TYAawiHHnqW2hS9btRCinZ2JZqOrxzrUfumA/s1000/ceasars%20mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynPoOyuwJ0ckJP5-fTvrIZVBS06ZHtIkQ2x9HjIdaOWyyPr0pClmoWj9cTyrnO2uHK9mg34M_Kp6U-2Qdimsc7XDo-NKf_B_RgT77MAIQHBHHW091xaZf52Mr6tzPw1gmcvwng0VnuBMEN-Rs6pD5VC1TYAawiHHnqW2hS9btRCinZ2JZqOrxzrUfumA/w640-h426/ceasars%20mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">With names like destroying angel, deaths cap, and the
panther, it is easy to understand why these mushrooms are to be taken
seriously. All occur in a family of mushrooms call the Amanitas and making a
mistake with any of these mushrooms will land you in the hospital or even the
morgue. For those who seek mushrooms the name Amanita may conjure up nightmares
of potential toxic poisoning, and with good reason. The destroying angel, if
eaten will cause nausea, diarrhea, and severe stomach pain. Several hours to
several days later you will start to feel better. This is the dastardly part of
the destroying angel; it falsely leads you to believe you are going to be fine.
Then you will find yourself experiencing pain and sickness like never before.
The toxins, called amatoxins have spent your remission time eating away at your
kidney and liver. You will fall into a coma, with liver damage so severe your
only chance at survival is a liver transplant.<span>
</span>This is why I cannot express loudly enough---ALWAYS know what you are
picking and plan to eat. </span></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">There are a few mushrooms within this family that are
considered edible, and not just edible, but choice edibles. People who seek
these mushrooms nearly salivate when the season returns for them. I am speaking
of a colorful mushroom called the Ceasar mushroom, or sometimes referred to as
the American Ceasar mushroom. This brightly colored mushroom is hard to mistake
for any other mushroom, but always seek the help of an expert before delving
into experimenting with any fungi. Ceasar mushroom caps vary from reddish-orange,
red, or bright orange, with yellow stalks standing up to eight inches high.
There is a highly visible “skirt” around the upper part of the stem. The cap
does not have warts or patches. They grow from an egg-like structure called a
volva, before eventually reaching their mature stage. They form <a name="mycorrhizae">Mycorrhizal</a><b> </b>relationships with oaks, pines, as well
as other hardwood trees throughout the Eastern United States. In simple terms,
mycorrhizal is a symbiotic relationship between the roots of the trees and the tendrils
of mycelium from the mushrooms. The hyphae of the mycelium surround the tree
rootlets with a sheath, and the mushroom helps the tree absorb water and
nutrients while the tree provides sugars and amino acids to the mushroom. The
organisms may need each other to survive.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">During the time of the Roman emperors these mushrooms
were referred to as boletus, which today are classified in an entirely
different family of fungi. Eventually they were given the name Ceasar mushrooms
due to the fact it was widely known the elite of Rome ate them frequently. Every
man who took the position of emperor,<span>
</span>used the name Ceasar. Talk about confusing. One emperor in particular,
Claudius, loved these mushrooms more than any other. His wife, Agrippina
desired her son Nero, from a previous marriage, to be emperor. She devised a
plan to rid herself of poor old Claudius. She knew of his proclivity for these
tasty fungi. She conspired with the palace medic, Xenophon, to slip some
destroying angels in with his meal. When he became deathly ill and called upon
his medic, instead of providing him some relief for his misery, she
administered another dose of deadly amanita. Such a cruel, miserable way to
die, but Agrippina got her wish and Nero became emperor. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">The American Ceasar mushroom is said to taste like a
mixture of brie and camembert cheese with a somewhat chewing texture. They are
even considered one of the few mushrooms that can be consumed raw. This may be
true, but I would strongly encourage you to cook all mushrooms before
consumption. Many of us eat mushrooms for their culinary value and their unique
texture, and delicious taste they add to our favorite dishes. Still others
consume them for their medicinal value, although these particular mushrooms
aren’t known to have any medical uses. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">Because these mushrooms belong to the largest group of
mushrooms, which contain the most toxic of species, these are not considered
beginners mushrooms. Because there is a chance that they could be confused with
other more toxic species I cannot stress caution enough. If in doubt throw it
out. </span></span></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-49585779817807799672023-09-03T17:16:00.005-05:002023-09-22T15:33:23.247-05:00European Hornet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A9puxi_mPnlE4sHKlwCt1uaZUeTH1mcrYoz1JEAQtWiCAcNiHBSdsbB5syBiY67eAojiTYZul0FgCWsmuVtoEpIhFJzjd9GKXUxJUOBPYHVR_2XolVQutW6ygfj_3_CZebV1_7Nc65bPGa6v34h4VNSc4Jdhe0x5oKnyGS7a2JeZ_VYaDlnLOZrgUyk/s3644/24279568727_2f389391ce_o(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="3644" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A9puxi_mPnlE4sHKlwCt1uaZUeTH1mcrYoz1JEAQtWiCAcNiHBSdsbB5syBiY67eAojiTYZul0FgCWsmuVtoEpIhFJzjd9GKXUxJUOBPYHVR_2XolVQutW6ygfj_3_CZebV1_7Nc65bPGa6v34h4VNSc4Jdhe0x5oKnyGS7a2JeZ_VYaDlnLOZrgUyk/w640-h442/24279568727_2f389391ce_o(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Several years ago, while vacationing in Tennessee’s Smoky
Mountain National Park, I noticed a large wasp struggling to carry a seemingly
paralyzed cicada. At first, I thought the wasp may be a cicada killer, the size
was right, but the coloration and pattern was all wrong. When we returned home,
I used the pictures I took to identify it as a European hornet. These are the only true hornet in the United States (except for one more that has recently
showed up on the landscape of our country, but more on that in a bit). They may
reach lengths up to an inch or a little more in the case of the queen. Their
head is red and yellow, thorax brown and red, and the abdomen is striped with
brown and yellow. They are a strikingly beautiful wasp. They sometimes are
referred to as the brown hornet or giant hornet and were first introduced into
the United States in 1840 via cargo containers from Europe. Since then, they
have established themselves all throughout the Eastern United States and are
locally common where they occur. Like many non-native species that show up in
our country, they are eventually considered naturalized. Examples would be the
honeybee, Virginia opossum and the nine-banded armadillo. However, the list
definitely does not end there. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The common name of giant hornet (mentioned above) that is
sometimes attributed to them is a bit of a misnomer. While they are large for a
wasp, the true giant hornet is from Japan and adjacent countries. These
monstrously large hornets are the largest hornet in the world and with lengths
up to 2 inches or more and a wingspan of 3 inches it is easy to see why! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The northern giant hornet (formerly referred
to as the Asian giant hornet) or as it is also referred to, albeit not so
affectionately, as the murder hornet…. has recently made an appearance in the
United States. I’m sure this moniker bestowed upon this very much unwelcome
hornet comes from the aggressive temperament and ¼ long stinger! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2019 it was found in British Columbia, and
by 2020 was sighted in Washington state, and in 2022 a nest was located and
destroyed. This has prompted all sorts of worries of an invasion, not to
mention misidentifications. Any large, brown, and yellow wasp-like creature
must be a murder hornet. This is simply not true. While European hornets
resemble giant hornets, they have a much better disposition and are not likely
to ever cause the problems its much larger cousin can and probably will. Giant
hornets form massive hives and feed their offspring almost exclusively on
honeybees. The USDA and other governmental organizations as well as many local
(to where they were found) organizations are working diligently to keep tabs on
the spread of this potential new invasive species. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBMpoRUQ6wdZHYG-N_2-plMepEqQ91tqLGeP-kcc4qv8ycwImeM153Vy4ooE0pBrogAxoZlP5ThpwtjXSrxvTQfqtiB8wKOkMFikn8yqgDOS4KeuICKapG8mxMmf-AgFPlma7_tczf3qX9I3Bz3Vo4kis0GZnga2v_Z_SSBO-j9M2IVWxOMbFRD92BA4/s540/european%20hornets.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBMpoRUQ6wdZHYG-N_2-plMepEqQ91tqLGeP-kcc4qv8ycwImeM153Vy4ooE0pBrogAxoZlP5ThpwtjXSrxvTQfqtiB8wKOkMFikn8yqgDOS4KeuICKapG8mxMmf-AgFPlma7_tczf3qX9I3Bz3Vo4kis0GZnga2v_Z_SSBO-j9M2IVWxOMbFRD92BA4/w640-h480/european%20hornets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By: Steve Scott<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The European hornet is rarely aggressive and usually
only defensive if mishandled or when the nest is disturbed. We know eusocial
insects, like hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets can and do defend their
nests with vigor, as anyone who has been unfortunate enough to get close enough
has found out. While this behavior can seem aggressive, it truly is defensive.
They are protecting their queen, her offspring, their food stores, and each
other. There is a lot at stake, and they don’t tolerate potential invaders.
Many social insects use pheromones to send messages throughout the hive, but in
the case of the European hornet, it is now believed they use a different form
of communication. When notifying their fellow workers that danger is nearby,
they perform a dance outside the hive that alerts their hive mates to an
approaching threat. In no time you may have numerous hornets all descending
upon you at once determined to remove you from the area by the only means
available to them, the stinger. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Like all social insects there is a hierarchy that
determines their job within the hive. Bred European hornet females spend the
winter under leaf litter, or within fallen logs and other sheltered areas. In
the spring they become active and start looking for a place to begin nest
building. She wants to find a secluded, dark location, such as a hollow tree,
inside a barn or maybe an attic or within the walls of a house. She will chew
bits of wood mixed with saliva. The saliva acts as a cement effectively gluing
the hive cells together. In the event they cannot find a suitable location that
meets their requirement for darkness and safety they will form an “envelope”
around the outside of the nest. This is similar to the outer covering of a
bald-faced hornet nest. This envelope will protect the nest from light, as well
as wind and rain. Once the queen has raised a few workers they will begin
taking over the care of the queen, the queens offspring, and growing the hive. It
is at this time their unique communication capabilities are put to use in
another fashion called policing. Workers are capable of laying eggs that turn
into males. Other workers of the hive will destroy those eggs and will often discriminate
against those workers who dare lay eggs in the queens territory. By the end of
the season there may be between 200-400 members within the hive. Some larger
hives contain 1,000 or more hornets in various stages of development. In late
summer or early fall the queen will lay eggs that will become fertile males and
females. Once these reproductive adults mate and cold weather sets in the
workers remaining in the hive die off, and newly bred queens overwinter and
start the cycle all over the following year. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAAOsawYckjfJnGp0NsT_nS9_ABK45hx_WmvEP1puZ7WQmZ09_s0GPrBkW6CIrBV76pthNXV_rjWieEGW0VGHMpV3-zWiksVtO2JCDI1M5E0O_iHKH0db2ppQ0gxhMjXeqx8fVcOGKZjWE7y_ksoo5Oi-wW1GAQtpdDuJLVGWdBrcheB0rXSJvBlimrw/s3063/4594323782_990364c8be_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2023" data-original-width="3063" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAAOsawYckjfJnGp0NsT_nS9_ABK45hx_WmvEP1puZ7WQmZ09_s0GPrBkW6CIrBV76pthNXV_rjWieEGW0VGHMpV3-zWiksVtO2JCDI1M5E0O_iHKH0db2ppQ0gxhMjXeqx8fVcOGKZjWE7y_ksoo5Oi-wW1GAQtpdDuJLVGWdBrcheB0rXSJvBlimrw/w400-h264/4594323782_990364c8be_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In the spring they are active hunters and put their
energy into finding food necessary to grow the larvae. They do this by
providing masticated bits of insects to the young larvae developing within the
nest. Typically, they chose large insects such as cicadas (like I witnessed),
other wasps and grasshoppers. In the fall their diet changes and they become
more scavenger-like in nature. You will find the adults feasting on fallen
apples, pears, and other fruit. These wasps will quickly become inebriated by
the fermentation created within the fruit. This intoxicating libation will have
them stumbling like a drunken sailor. Like yellow jackets, they are also
attracted to garbage left behind by humans as well as soft drinks, and other
sugary treats we favor. This can cause human, hornet conflicts. Most humans,
when faced with a large insect packing a hypodermic needle attached to its
backside, contort into all sorts of odd positions, and begin swatting at the
air like they just don’t care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me,
when I say this will most likely earn you a sting. Ignore the hornet and
chances are everything will be fine. Just check your pop can before you take a
sip. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">While large stinging insects are rarely favored among
humans, we must learn to appreciate the good they provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of the European hornet, by
feeding potentially injurious insects like grasshoppers, moths, and crickets to
the larvae within the hive, they are providing invaluable pest control. This
can, and does save the agricultural industry millions annually. They are not
known to be aggressive so conflicts should be minimal and learning to respect
the boundaries of their nest will allow for co-existence. </p>
<p><br /> </p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-70349025220029838322023-08-28T22:32:00.009-05:002023-08-28T22:53:15.769-05:00Eastern American Toad<p><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrS_MGGcdqvMVJf27IFppXP5JOWrU_gQhEZurcmfZJF9d-0Bn9FEwfeV5c5laGWGXect57vNbNjn47Vb0k2EaZue06g3HCzra54TY6-4HXECIAuh4cBObz7lYTby45r79VfQ2pFjyuXE6r8dBO-ZF_hO3KsqzJw3QzM1CvBLM2IjxvUi7QPWR2U7XGyVo/s4032/FullSizeRender_(copy1).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrS_MGGcdqvMVJf27IFppXP5JOWrU_gQhEZurcmfZJF9d-0Bn9FEwfeV5c5laGWGXect57vNbNjn47Vb0k2EaZue06g3HCzra54TY6-4HXECIAuh4cBObz7lYTby45r79VfQ2pFjyuXE6r8dBO-ZF_hO3KsqzJw3QzM1CvBLM2IjxvUi7QPWR2U7XGyVo/s320/FullSizeRender_(copy1).jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The dour expression of the common toad reminds one of the
proverbial grumpy old man. This countenance, in my opinion, gives them an
endearing quality. As children, toads are one of the first wild animals we come
in contact with that we find easy to capture and are not likely to be afraid
of. Missouri is home to several species of toads, and the Eastern American toad <i>(Anaxyrus americanus americanus</i>) is
without a doubt the most common type we will encounter. They are found
throughout the Eastern United States and portions of Canada, and occur in many
types of habitats, including yards, gardens, fields, agricultural areas,
barnyards, porches, and walkways. The species name of the American toad is <i>Anaxyrus</i>,
which comes from a Greek word that translates to mean King or Chief, and as one
of the largest toads native to the United States it is an apt descriptor. They
may reach lengths up to four inches with males being smaller than females. <p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVHOcUfPAp92HHQV-Hm8svhswgstT9oGl0IT9IyMoNZdUvv9x9UsaIfu4vFXBSVTAZX0IkuFhKfpgtzcRT-pC5r7CvmmOTREQoJEHcMUHFj3Skn5phMW7sT5hAuxvhsQbJYeSV7xjDWt8EmwLCFwG9NnyUANoCF2CYVJg3bOXPykkr30PBufGjP86_4U/s4032/habitat3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVHOcUfPAp92HHQV-Hm8svhswgstT9oGl0IT9IyMoNZdUvv9x9UsaIfu4vFXBSVTAZX0IkuFhKfpgtzcRT-pC5r7CvmmOTREQoJEHcMUHFj3Skn5phMW7sT5hAuxvhsQbJYeSV7xjDWt8EmwLCFwG9NnyUANoCF2CYVJg3bOXPykkr30PBufGjP86_4U/w400-h300/habitat3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>They
vary in color, and may be gray, brown, olive, or even a reddish orange. However,
they are capable of changing color to some degree depending on many factors
including humidity, environmental stressors, temperatures and even the color of
the habitat where they live. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
there is a light stripe visible along their back and two warts on each spot
located along the back, as well as large spiny warts on the legs. Usually, the belly
is mottled with black or charcoal gray splotches. There are large glands
located behind the eyes alongside the head. These are the paratoid glands and
contain toxins called bufotoxins. These toxins are considered harmless to
humans, although they may irritate the eyes, or mucus membranes. <p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7dejA7kcRr62wBeAk8R6PEGueT3qmqmabUFrFZfbf1bO3R4FOiI35kBCRVreH17tzJeW8F50LvqmKRQUthKQp3I8QvnnS6HATKRPrF85AOK1Q9KjOrdkxs9U8_Boa1cTklkknRg5m8z-AXH0vW9Don6_buf_qPzpHmeumR2HeRtIPrr4UiakxTr9Vk4/s4032/habitat1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7dejA7kcRr62wBeAk8R6PEGueT3qmqmabUFrFZfbf1bO3R4FOiI35kBCRVreH17tzJeW8F50LvqmKRQUthKQp3I8QvnnS6HATKRPrF85AOK1Q9KjOrdkxs9U8_Boa1cTklkknRg5m8z-AXH0vW9Don6_buf_qPzpHmeumR2HeRtIPrr4UiakxTr9Vk4/w150-h200/habitat1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> Handling toads
is often said to cause warts in humans. This is a falsehood, although, if you
are allergic or sensitive to the substance they secrete, your skin may form
painless water blisters. For obvious reasons, don’t lick the toads! To dogs,
and other small mammals, however, they can be incredibly toxic and, in some
cases, make your pet very sick and in need of veterinarian care. While capable
of secreting toxins and poisoning animals who come in contact with them, they
usually rely on camouflage, or retreat as a first line of defense.<p></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9rJMSis2RQxsvisEoYp-Eo1ocmSTJXObs28gmkccBFxKP4pHsGK6F3fb-lObNFpCTaIyGG48K4v1y7TCY-HF_WLRIq2wa4uYZgSjFMIVCXz5UQZtahHe8ciV6c1Tn9IjTZ8N-5hY2sQbRkAwm8E92XMRuu3FV0dFudMaO6ojPnBLrriP4m5LTfX1ks0/s2131/FullSizeRender_(copy2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="2131" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9rJMSis2RQxsvisEoYp-Eo1ocmSTJXObs28gmkccBFxKP4pHsGK6F3fb-lObNFpCTaIyGG48K4v1y7TCY-HF_WLRIq2wa4uYZgSjFMIVCXz5UQZtahHe8ciV6c1Tn9IjTZ8N-5hY2sQbRkAwm8E92XMRuu3FV0dFudMaO6ojPnBLrriP4m5LTfX1ks0/w640-h480/FullSizeRender_(copy2).jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">There are some
animals that have adapted to eating toads as a main part of their diet, one of
the most notable is the hognose snake. These snakes have a mild toxin they
deliver through rear fangs into the toad to paralyze it. This prevents it from
hopping away. If they capture the toad prior to delivering this toxin they have
another adaptation that aids them in eating toads. When a toad is threatened
with predation, they will inflate their lungs, lower their head, and lift their
body, thus making themselves larger, the snake is now faced with a much larger
meal than it anticipated. It will use those rear fangs to puncture the toad,
effectively deflating it with these specially adapted toad poppers.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQtR6tIMDrZTyU_JHwr1W0qXAWkjfyp9lLDgCv_rNWJdTritRXAUWqBXUB137nEUmx9DQsd8CUlQYtPDfSEUm12f3sh8FQsfWZFyNFUb_3-YBoQM0YviWw-Wu2skGcCXRPSQY8-zGv76Sq3Bq9wT2Du2PtsJRMXKAX_bRGk0hh-OQSo4dlT5Au0jXjvg/s4032/toad7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQtR6tIMDrZTyU_JHwr1W0qXAWkjfyp9lLDgCv_rNWJdTritRXAUWqBXUB137nEUmx9DQsd8CUlQYtPDfSEUm12f3sh8FQsfWZFyNFUb_3-YBoQM0YviWw-Wu2skGcCXRPSQY8-zGv76Sq3Bq9wT2Du2PtsJRMXKAX_bRGk0hh-OQSo4dlT5Au0jXjvg/w300-h400/toad7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Other
animals are known to eat toads, including water snakes, garter snakes, screech
owls, crows, and occasionally striped skunks. As tadpoles they are preyed upon
by a wider variety of predators, including fish, ducks, aquatic invertebrates,
newts, and crayfish. One pond was estimated by scientists to contain over
200,000 toad tadpoles, none of those tadpoles survived to the toadlet stage as
they were preyed upon before reaching their final molt into life on land. In
the tadpole stage they feed on algae, aquatic plants, dead fish, and other
tadpoles. As adults they feed on invertebrates like ants, beetles, and moths as
well as earthworms. Toads lack the ability to chew their food adequately, so
they have evolved a work around to this problem, by using their eyes! Yes, that
is correct, they use their eyes. Toads have large eyes, and after grabbing a
tasty meal in the form of a beetle (for example), their eyes are specially adapted to press
down into the mouth effectively pushing the insect from their sticky tongue and
forcing it down the throat so it may be swallowed. Toads, like frogs do not drink water, instead hydration is achieved by soaking in available water. Toads have drier skin and are able to tolerate longer periods away form water, whereas their cousins the frogs have higher hydration needs to maintain their slimy secretions for respiration through their skin. <br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMyjKRlWhTnMVKlB0kcgV6m24ZFXHF4Z7BscSdH5wQ1sx7L-jMTNwW5HqcUWJ4Bz9pNw5Kdz_wa74Qh39CXhzqiVbLzginXf4bJdzgvwpkbDRORkrgY2iKvyvQltMAl8udmBy86a-zSoN3MJuWuUCoY4r-jM1tCx10jJD0-zQWFDFa-e-doVoBSusMTg/s4032/IMG_4250.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMyjKRlWhTnMVKlB0kcgV6m24ZFXHF4Z7BscSdH5wQ1sx7L-jMTNwW5HqcUWJ4Bz9pNw5Kdz_wa74Qh39CXhzqiVbLzginXf4bJdzgvwpkbDRORkrgY2iKvyvQltMAl8udmBy86a-zSoN3MJuWuUCoY4r-jM1tCx10jJD0-zQWFDFa-e-doVoBSusMTg/w400-h300/IMG_4250.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>American toads have excellent eyesight and hearing, and
it is believed they use their hearing to detect rains, from underground, which
may signal the return of spring. Males emerge from hibernation first, and guided
by an internal homing device they will migrate back to the area where they were
conceived, often to the exact spot! It is believed they use the moon to navigate to their location of birth. This journey may be as little as a few hundred meters or as much as a few miles. Once males arrive to the breeding grounds, usually in April or early May, they
begin calling in earnest to attract females which will appear on the landscape
up to a week later. Females, using their acute hearing are able to distinguish
her own kind among a chorus of many species of frogs and toads that may be
sharing the same area. In fact frogs and toads are the only amphibians to utilize organized sound. They have distress calls, mating calls and calls to warn others of their kind that danger is nearby.<br /></p><p>She will select the healthiest and most virile male to
mate with based on the length and strength of his calling abilities. After
mating, the female will lay up to 20,000 eggs in long strands often attached to
plant matter within a pond, wetland, or other water source. Occasionally she
will lay them along the bottom of a pond. In a few days the eggs will hatch
into tiny black tadpoles. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwyBiiqS0F_1uei9jv9wqmawSgTVxKWKYR8mGfRY3hL1j1j1bKP8SDc8yX1pBhO11ZnqKOtyyY6T2696Eprlg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrADtBqWCoF-j3hTycY2UIhCammy27sXsfA9eLu6zZFic0UmMSTu0qAUR6amt5ESuwVZUrxQ3-vfL_foF7UIOMSmN6J6ecv_v8Y-9_rb8yn6WTGu8GhZwfcji11jySxwoyY5sgns_0oQ0wvz_ZU7nz4F4zqaK9A9-NbOC9Gs59tAOJ_4ki_hggeD9T7uE/s1960/FullSizeRender_(copy)(2).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="1470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrADtBqWCoF-j3hTycY2UIhCammy27sXsfA9eLu6zZFic0UmMSTu0qAUR6amt5ESuwVZUrxQ3-vfL_foF7UIOMSmN6J6ecv_v8Y-9_rb8yn6WTGu8GhZwfcji11jySxwoyY5sgns_0oQ0wvz_ZU7nz4F4zqaK9A9-NbOC9Gs59tAOJ_4ki_hggeD9T7uE/s320/FullSizeRender_(copy)(2).jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>In about a month, seemingly all at once, hundreds or
even thousands of toadlets will emerge from their watery homes. These
aggregations of tiny toadlets often follow each other in unison along sandy
shores of ponds, streams, and wetlands. Eventually they will shed their skins,
and molt into a larger version of themselves. After multiple sheds they will
reach their full adult size, typically by mid-summer. At this time, they will
disperse into the landscape and set up a territory that typically ranges up to
a half mile. Although in some cases this may be as much as a mile. American
toads may live up to five years in the wild, with some reports claiming there
are records of them living up to thirty years in captivity. Although I think
these claims are exaggerated, as that would be an exceedingly long time for any
amphibian to live. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Toads, along with frogs began appearing 200 million years
ago, a full 30 million years before dinosaurs! For centuries they have
fascinated humans, and are often the stuff of legends, and folklore. Pliny the elder referred to them as bramblefrogs, for their preferred life among the brambles and forests. Many
misconceptions about toads come from their mythological association with
witches. Toads were often considered familiars, or supernatural entities in the
guise of a toad, that would assist witches in their practice of magic. These
myths were fed by stories and legends with little basis in fact.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-z_2t15uRfU99iohq6_UkHc5JcaVGX1Es52YFRH_nnch9F5fXi58r-AkkhJl2AmL6rpI967DMmTDErqtQppyBVBVPhnDclPc0T16sTfwepVw6I8CfFBCm6YURQEc7BaMmbD8OrFV2CeIcfGUv_F4EeQGQN9_cRH_AYkIsAhk4z9uZmxKbRpcKvjOR2a0/s1150/toad8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1150" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-z_2t15uRfU99iohq6_UkHc5JcaVGX1Es52YFRH_nnch9F5fXi58r-AkkhJl2AmL6rpI967DMmTDErqtQppyBVBVPhnDclPc0T16sTfwepVw6I8CfFBCm6YURQEc7BaMmbD8OrFV2CeIcfGUv_F4EeQGQN9_cRH_AYkIsAhk4z9uZmxKbRpcKvjOR2a0/w640-h480/toad8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even William Shakespeare
in at least two of his works, MacBeth and As you Like It bespoke of the lowly
toad.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Macbeth he
waxed poetically: </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
“Round the cauldron go;</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">In the poison’d entrails throw</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Toad, that under cold stone</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Days and nights has thirty-one</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Swelter’d venom sleeping got</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Boil thou first; the charmed pot”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">In As You Like it Shakespeare had this eloquent prose to share:</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">"Sweet are the use of adversity</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">And this our life, exempt from public haunt,</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Find tongues in trees, books in running brooks.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Sermons in stones, and good in everything</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">I would not change." <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQTEBrY3ZBeM7oTlNpgvUsZCbTD2KtpQOHavBlwFmPCCyirf3dx8ctAPJ6lPq7gA_Jo_FRX-dcs2AKmOQMWRljdzFxcAl1162n4mDGb6SKZ0RyU72VT-2b6nY-ZD7CVnGNEVU6SzE19b2RlCLSHb6TJT_J1U3TIr0FrXPClN_DW4mBvGT_1CuiAFGzU8/s2048/IMG_2412.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQTEBrY3ZBeM7oTlNpgvUsZCbTD2KtpQOHavBlwFmPCCyirf3dx8ctAPJ6lPq7gA_Jo_FRX-dcs2AKmOQMWRljdzFxcAl1162n4mDGb6SKZ0RyU72VT-2b6nY-ZD7CVnGNEVU6SzE19b2RlCLSHb6TJT_J1U3TIr0FrXPClN_DW4mBvGT_1CuiAFGzU8/w640-h426/IMG_2412.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In Germany it was believed the toad took up his abode in
the poisonous hemlock plant. The toad was said to suck the poison from the
plant thus gaining his own available toxins. Germans even referred to the
deadly nightshade plant as the toad flower. As you can see the unassuming, shy
toad has had an ancestry steeped in mythology, misconceptions, and witchcraft.
Perhaps no other animals is as underserving of his reputation as is the toad.
These sour-faced amphibians provide insect and slug control, feed a hungry
population of various animals and whether you are three or ninety-three are sure to
delight us with their presence. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-48732091997374050292023-08-21T20:03:00.002-05:002023-08-21T21:13:56.958-05:00Nine-Banded Armadillo<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJw1qD1U7yU263lmH_vtG2qyTrtk7FiCgHzJzT864DRe8azjHNXfXjfty-esmvIgMwmeRQ9zFdH-8MFIkzwhAu34vxowzCpHo-jM9-U-hk-We2JWZ31SwrFj5vp7RvNJHS_oD0V7dQybrtizkIrdb4MUiHdNi0XXx-vA2bsSwdrpBajs6toMYhOTE0MMY/s800/Florida-015.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJw1qD1U7yU263lmH_vtG2qyTrtk7FiCgHzJzT864DRe8azjHNXfXjfty-esmvIgMwmeRQ9zFdH-8MFIkzwhAu34vxowzCpHo-jM9-U-hk-We2JWZ31SwrFj5vp7RvNJHS_oD0V7dQybrtizkIrdb4MUiHdNi0XXx-vA2bsSwdrpBajs6toMYhOTE0MMY/w400-h268/Florida-015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>One of the most unusual animals to call Missouri home is the
nine-banded armadillo. This animal goes by many names including common
long-nose armadillo, nine-banded long-nosed armadillo, little armored one, and
even possum on the half shell, but no matter what name you chose to call them,
they are easily the most recognized of Missouri’s mammals. The armor they
possess covers most of their body including the back, sides, tail, head, and outer
portion of the legs. The underbelly and inner portion of the legs is free of
armor and instead made up of a tough skin covered in coarse hair. The shell is
made up of ossified dermal scutes covered in scales made up of keratin (the
same substance as our fingernails). The scales are connected by flexible bands
of skin. There are typically nine bands across the back and sides, but this may
vary by region or genetics and be anywhere from seven to eleven bands. Unlike
popular belief they cannot roll themselves into a tight ball for protection,
like their South American cousin, the three-banded armadillo can. So how do
they protect themselves from predation? They can run short distances at speeds up to 30 MPH and
will flee a predator if they can. If this is not possible, they can quickly dig
a shallow trench and lodge themselves into it. They are nearly impossible to
remove from this shallow burrow. Common predators of armadillos include
coyotes, mountain lions, black bears, alligators, bobcats, and large raptors.
Typically, these predators are going to hunt juvenile armadillos as their
shells are not fully hardened and are easier to kill. However, the main threat
to their survival is humans. They are often hunted for their meat, which is
said to taste much like pork, which also earned them another common name of “poor
man’s pork”. During the Great Depression they were frequently consumed for
protein which earned them the name of Hoovers hog. Many blamed president Herbert Hoover
for the depression and the state of the Country at that time. Hence the name
Hoover hog. They are also killed because of their sometimes preference for
poultry and wild game bird eggs. They are even killed for their shells which are
used in the novelty market and sold as baskets, helmets, and other tacky
decorations. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If sufficiently startled, they are capable of jumping three
to four feet in the air. This explains why we see so many dead along the
roadways as we travel south. I remember several years ago while camping at
Truman State Park I was driving to the bath house when up ahead I spotted an
armadillo in the headlights. As I got closer, the sudden appearance of my car
scared him and he jumped straight into the air, front legs extended upwards as
if he was the victim of a holdup. It was without a doubt one of the funniest
things I have ever witnessed out of a wild animal. This behavior certainly
seems counterproductive to survival. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Originally from South America, they began their expansion
north into Central America, and eventually North America during the Great
American Interchange. Approximately 2.7 million years ago the volcanic Isthmus
of Panama rose up creating a land bridge. This formation allowed animals from
both North and South America to make large migrations in either direction. By
the late 1800’s they crossed the border of Mexico into Texas via the Rio
Grande. Armadillos have two special adaptations which allow them to cross
bodies of water. They may inflate their lungs and intestines and float to their
destination, or maybe they are in the mood for a stroll, and they will submerge
themselves and walk along the bottom of the riverbed. With the ability to hold
their breath for up to six minutes you can easily see how they navigate rivers
and move into new locations. It is believed developing the ability to hold
their breath for such a long period of time was developed as an adaptation to
allow them to keep their snouts submerged in soil for extended periods of
foraging. By 1995 they were well established in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana,
Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida. Although the population
in Florida was purposefully introduced and did not happen by natural expansion.
2005 found their range expanded even further into Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee,
South Carolina, and Kentucky.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMftylJ2Au9eT9LIJKvC-CMZA2IEwLcut6AeRxDQDCyv-g6x9j4PCwCKzTIXSXN-ajyTR35e8PPrDRzZRn2UiXzVMrvYIJWSk71Lb0cAVsWaDktGqfxAw0OEOulSQXExC6yNTvXQ4KKZtErfyh1AMHtGxWV5FkoqTg8d0IUfYBh3XGCfdaRXp9zys_FKM/s570/Common_Long-nosed_Armadillo_area.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMftylJ2Au9eT9LIJKvC-CMZA2IEwLcut6AeRxDQDCyv-g6x9j4PCwCKzTIXSXN-ajyTR35e8PPrDRzZRn2UiXzVMrvYIJWSk71Lb0cAVsWaDktGqfxAw0OEOulSQXExC6yNTvXQ4KKZtErfyh1AMHtGxWV5FkoqTg8d0IUfYBh3XGCfdaRXp9zys_FKM/s320/Common_Long-nosed_Armadillo_area.png" width="243" /></a></div> Today their range continues to expand and sightings as far
north as Virginia have been reported. In our own state of Missouri, it was
believed they would not extend their range beyond the southern portion of our
state. We now know this is not the case, as more and more sightings are being
reported North of the Missouri river, including one recently spotted along the
102 River in Andrew County. With climate change drastically altering our weather patterns and
creating warmer winters, the armadillo is finding it favorable to continue
their northward journey and soon may be a common sight locally. Now it is a
commonly held belief they may reach as far north as Ohio. This will be quite a
feat for an animal that was said to not be able to expand beyond Texas and was
originally adapted to warm humid weather conditions. Most likely their range
will not extend too far west as the Great Plains and other areas out west tend to be dry
and often experience harsher winters. They are prone to heat and water loss in cold,
dry climates, therefore survival would be difficult. However, never say never.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Opinions about the armadillo moving northward into new
territories is often met with a mixed bag of emotion. Many feel they will be
an interesting and fun animal to observe (I am in this corner), but the opposing side does not agree. Armadillos can be destructive in their habits. Capable of
digging fairly large burrows as well as excavating your lawn with their long
schnoz looking for their favorite foods. They can very quickly cause unsightly
holes throughout your yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mild root
damage to some plants may also occur as a result of their digging and rooting. Classified
as insectivores, armadillos are known to feed on nearly 500 different foods, predominately
invertebrates. Lacking good eyesight and hearing, they use their exceptionally
well-developed sense of smell to locate invertebrates living as much as eight
inches underground. Their favorites being termites, ants, and grubs. They have
been observed rolling around on ant mounds to dislodge them. When the ants come
charging out to defend the colony, they are instead devoured by a hungry
armadillo using a sticky tongue, much like an anteater. A lesser portion of
their diet is made up of small mammals, bird eggs and even carrion. As
disgusting as it sounds, most likely they are after the maggots present on the
carcass, rather than the carcass itself. Occasionally they will feed on fungi,
tubers, and fruits. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Armadillos have one of the most unusual reproductive processes.
They mate in summer, but the female will delay fertilization for three to four
months to ensure the young will be born in a more favorable season. Gestation
lasts four months. Here is where it gets interesting. The female will produce a
single egg, which is divided into four and then fertilized, resulting in identical
quadruplets. The pups remain in the burrow for three months before venturing
out to follow their mom on foraging trips. At between six and twelve months of
age they leave their mother and live life on their own. Armadillos are capable
of living up to 20 years and may reach lengths up to forty-two inches,
including the tail and weigh as much as 15 pounds with a record weight recorded at 23 pounds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjh1i6J-meSan3fvQFqHfYnV0nqqWO_l3mcV6Y0UGjL_7dSmlzSUIHLNd-vKRuBE9l6oplWbCK72u8KdYm8sQJlt62oez4WYdJ8fGXGfvAfUFeGpyT4VMMdteVUU5oggifGTsBa6ldj2qdojwFkljOCKIAOA1bTyxuVoEitLuAWLTJT3Cv_Vk5I6mFsA/s289/armadillo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="289" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjh1i6J-meSan3fvQFqHfYnV0nqqWO_l3mcV6Y0UGjL_7dSmlzSUIHLNd-vKRuBE9l6oplWbCK72u8KdYm8sQJlt62oez4WYdJ8fGXGfvAfUFeGpyT4VMMdteVUU5oggifGTsBa6ldj2qdojwFkljOCKIAOA1bTyxuVoEitLuAWLTJT3Cv_Vk5I6mFsA/w400-h277/armadillo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Because they nearly always have four identical pups, for
many decades they have been used in human reproductive research. Scientists
studying reproduction and multiple births find these animals invaluable to
their work. Since each baby is an identical image of its siblings researchers administering
medications to them are able to study the effects of the medication, knowing
that the results will be from the medication alone and not any variations in
the genes of the armadillos. They have also proved invaluable in the study of
Hansen’s disease (leprosy), as they are one of the few animals capable of
carrying the disease, with humans being a close second. Although leprosy has all
but disappeared in our country, it continues to be an issue in poorer countries
around the globe. Fortunately, no one in Missouri has ever died from an armadillo
spreading the disease, but caution should always be used if you find yourself
in the position of needing to handle one. Wear gloves. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This amazing, unusual, and arguably odd animal is well
established in its range and expanding at an exponential rate. Soon we may be
observing the armadillo in our own backyards excavating burrows and digging for
insects. The little armored one, is a shy, unassuming, laid-back member of the
animal kingdom with huge benefit to humans in the medical field and helps to
control the damage many insects can and do cause. Learning to live with them
may benefit us more than hinder us. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0-Y6AzMpohuTpp2ysttWDddq4HtZK3D8mp0so41qI6VvcJNuDEE0hGisXIzAkVLU9r0v8j-tlXt4I9-oCO-a-ZVcU8QfC8eTdbQqpQbhL6pw2H7669UPW0A0-vBIh3OdQGdKbhfptmrBeCyGI-xbpFfHab3BUrvrVmX3MpmWkwcVuDc0T9C-zdPx3Dg/s1161/armadillo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1161" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0-Y6AzMpohuTpp2ysttWDddq4HtZK3D8mp0so41qI6VvcJNuDEE0hGisXIzAkVLU9r0v8j-tlXt4I9-oCO-a-ZVcU8QfC8eTdbQqpQbhL6pw2H7669UPW0A0-vBIh3OdQGdKbhfptmrBeCyGI-xbpFfHab3BUrvrVmX3MpmWkwcVuDc0T9C-zdPx3Dg/w640-h456/armadillo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Branson, Missouri<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Source for photos:<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Picture #1 <span class="mw-mmv-source-author"><span class="mw-mmv-author"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Hans_Stieglitz" title="User:Hans Stieglitz">Hans Stieglitz</a></span> - via Wikipedia</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="mw-mmv-source-author">Picture #2 Chermundy---Via Wikipedia</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="mw-mmv-source-author">Picture #3 National Wildlife Federation</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="mw-mmv-source-author">Picture #4 Shelly Cox (myself) </span> <br /></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-82071374810896901062023-08-14T19:31:00.014-05:002023-08-14T21:40:47.969-05:00Grassland Crayfish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBESq4nGXRldQeILzFyOEsZsPhRxpzJHaGLHhWIE6Z6g4F3njh1If97On22mwiGHv2yNHvs-ZP18aZf1MBGWDpnA3G7knhabpoPAPAH26x2D_Wabanasu0Ii6D9Q40y6gmDVH4LHxuDw6Pr3VCIbJ12ay943ZquO1vt593wlqqc0dVRHKlIMYPJnHqBk/s4032/IMG_3960.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBESq4nGXRldQeILzFyOEsZsPhRxpzJHaGLHhWIE6Z6g4F3njh1If97On22mwiGHv2yNHvs-ZP18aZf1MBGWDpnA3G7knhabpoPAPAH26x2D_Wabanasu0Ii6D9Q40y6gmDVH4LHxuDw6Pr3VCIbJ12ay943ZquO1vt593wlqqc0dVRHKlIMYPJnHqBk/w300-h400/IMG_3960.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Arthropods are one of the largest groups of animals
within the animal kingdom, comprised of insects, spiders, and their kin, as
well as all manner of sea life like shrimp, crabs and even lobsters. Recently,
after one of the recent storms we have been experiencing here in Northwest
Missouri, we noticed our granddaughters pool had blown away into the ditch
along the highway. After retrieving it, a crayfish was discovered using it as a
convenient hiding spot. After taking a few pictures, it was released into our
garden pond to live another day. There are over 500 species of crayfish in the world and more than half live in North America. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This particular crayfish is the grassland
crayfish, or prairie crayfish as it is also known as. Crayfish in general go by
many different names, including crawdads, mudbugs, and lawn lobsters. Grassland
crayfish are somewhat common in Missouri and like their name suggests are found
in open grasslands and prairies, however with the reduction of those available
habitats, they often use temporary wetlands, or wet ditches (such as the one we
found). Historically much of Missouri was made up of tall grass prairies. With
the increased need of land in the agricultural industry, and the overall
expansion of cities with exponential growth and development Missouri has lost
more than 95% of its native prairies and grasslands. The remaining remnant
prairies are predominantly owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation,
The Nature Conservancy, private landowners, as well as a few other conservation
minded organizations. These remaining small prairies should be protected for
many reasons, but chief among them to guarantee the survival of the plant and
animal species that rely on them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>The grassland crayfish is an average sized crayfish
reaching lengths up to three inches, and may be red, or reddish-brown with
little to no spots or blotches. They resemble another crayfish that lives in
our state called the devil crayfish, but unlike the grassland species, the
devil crayfish will never be uniformly red. While these crayfish are considered
somewhat common in Missouri, they are rarely encountered by humans because of
their secretive nature and nocturnal habits. These crayfish dig burrows using their claws to excavate and their tail to carry the dirt to the surface and pile it around the opening in a chimney sort of fashion. During the heat of summer, they
remain underground in these burrows, which may be more than six feet
deep. During the evening hours they will come to the surface and seek food or
mates. Decomposers by nature, these omnivores eat both animal and plant matter
and are able to break down plants highly resistant to </span><span>decay. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNH4k8CCMFUIsPP8A1BpWUjI4Nru7d3GdEtGmY92sBz_KAxyXwkBSMZLJop7emIK6Jx_-CAbkK8LEUwXC_33v9BbVPo4sUjbuwivhmkvRZN5j3g453If4b5L3vAnZeYMYpE9P8BKpyRdc-HFkp54eqmbEbBIgsCONY9-aJ_H9uq-Dk-snhWYfdgEYgWc/s4032/IMG_3953.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNH4k8CCMFUIsPP8A1BpWUjI4Nru7d3GdEtGmY92sBz_KAxyXwkBSMZLJop7emIK6Jx_-CAbkK8LEUwXC_33v9BbVPo4sUjbuwivhmkvRZN5j3g453If4b5L3vAnZeYMYpE9P8BKpyRdc-HFkp54eqmbEbBIgsCONY9-aJ_H9uq-Dk-snhWYfdgEYgWc/s320/IMG_3953.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Due to their impact on the environment, they are often
thought of as ecosystem engineers. Crayfish come in three classifications. The
primary burrowers, secondary burrowers, and tertiary burrowers. The primary
excavators may burrow up to fifteen feet underground far away from water,
secondary excavators dig burrows closer to water and may have tunnels that
reach bodies of water, the tertiary species typically do not dig burrows, and
instead reside within bodies of water hidden under debris or rocks. The burrows
they dig allow nutrients to reach the roots of plants and create passages for
rainwater to reach deeper into the earth. Many animals like the Northern
crayfish frog, snakes and small mammals use the burrows created by these
excavating crayfish as shelters. In the case of the crayfish frog, a species of
conservation concern in our state, they rely heavily on the burrows created by
the grassland crayfish. Like the crayfish, the crayfish frog inhabits prairies,
and with the reduction of prairies and available burrows the crayfish frog
struggles to survive. When we destroy one component of the environment, it
nearly always has a trickle-down effect on everything in the food chain of that
environment. Destroy the prairie, the crayfish has no place to burrow, no
burrows will impact plants, and removes the sheltering areas the crayfish frog
relies on, with the loss of the frog Missouri loses one of its most unique
amphibians. It is vitally important that we conserve the remaining prairies and
grasslands we have and continue to restore land back to its historical prairie
state when possible</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3_6GelHk07tE-k_wlsE8A7EchMcK-yFICwwynKECCqFFGslMZ2-gXJik1RPytal5Mf8LW6z1HQJ5g4XYHoJPTTEE170YUWZOQxrQ6GaoR9XhjD_9qDNDvJbv06WyfMV2oWfD1OmIjhSikpWDK60bbYO1wjOuN0HaKTip-h8mkqwvk0glYEIMjzQH2xA/s4032/IMG_3934.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3_6GelHk07tE-k_wlsE8A7EchMcK-yFICwwynKECCqFFGslMZ2-gXJik1RPytal5Mf8LW6z1HQJ5g4XYHoJPTTEE170YUWZOQxrQ6GaoR9XhjD_9qDNDvJbv06WyfMV2oWfD1OmIjhSikpWDK60bbYO1wjOuN0HaKTip-h8mkqwvk0glYEIMjzQH2xA/s320/IMG_3934.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>Crayfish are also considered important indicator species
of water quality, because of their intolerance of polluted water sources. With
the absence of crayfish in an area where they would typically be, scientists
can begin studying the possible reasons for their absence. This allows for
quicker intervention in potential environmental catastrophes. The opposite can
be said as well, the presence of crayfish should indicate clean, healthy water.
</span>
</span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Crayfish play an important role in the medical
field. There is evidence that crayfish experience similar anxiety as humans. Scientific
experiments have been conducted that showed crayfish exposed to stressful
situations will have an increased anxious response and not behave in normal
ways to existing environmental conditions. These crayfish were given an
electrical shock and then placed in a cross shaped tank. Two arms of the cross
were lit up brightly, and two arms were dark. Those crayfish that were shocked
always went into the dark arms and avoided the light. When injected with a
common antianxiety drug, used by humans today, the crayfish were seemingly
calmer and bolder and would explore all arms of the tank. This knowledge has huge
implications in the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders in humans.
Just one more reason to appreciate these little crustaceans. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh13gxFxMaeOkNj7iJ0atCkWg-f_OyHHbZCrLccyQf9f-j-VdYofiu2-kkZEEQLVk8YIZ7nEO96gIMFNV00aheer-69kSjUM4R8XWpbArQw_A2Cf52vXE9nE6gEhI6oZTka3pm8ptJ_vAuumvQNSzBJvhZ08wA1CeQChW6NuES-K-hBVa-14gbAdG11sU/s4032/IMG_3945.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh13gxFxMaeOkNj7iJ0atCkWg-f_OyHHbZCrLccyQf9f-j-VdYofiu2-kkZEEQLVk8YIZ7nEO96gIMFNV00aheer-69kSjUM4R8XWpbArQw_A2Cf52vXE9nE6gEhI6oZTka3pm8ptJ_vAuumvQNSzBJvhZ08wA1CeQChW6NuES-K-hBVa-14gbAdG11sU/w300-h400/IMG_3945.jpeg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>Crayfish reach reproductive age between five and six years. Males will molt into their breeding form with </span><span>larger claws, a longer body, sharper spines, and a tougher
exoskeleton. Being larger and tougher helps them battle other males
during mating season. Once mating season is over, however, they molt
again, after which they resemble their pre-breeding form once more.<span> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W_7Jdnck_jTKJi5nG7IkAp0YQlyblvRp4XXLOxnsC00YtZJh9-xepGJMFb6kTO7yU2wFDjDJdjoK_aeimXnMYeXzV2g3QItpzLrQojwrYesrlfc9YaSYT93tzg_JHDGowVO_13IHn3YtrhIY-bTq6prECvNtQ6o2ocXewziXWZtj_QL5fuP11e1lgnk/s4032/IMG_3946.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W_7Jdnck_jTKJi5nG7IkAp0YQlyblvRp4XXLOxnsC00YtZJh9-xepGJMFb6kTO7yU2wFDjDJdjoK_aeimXnMYeXzV2g3QItpzLrQojwrYesrlfc9YaSYT93tzg_JHDGowVO_13IHn3YtrhIY-bTq6prECvNtQ6o2ocXewziXWZtj_QL5fuP11e1lgnk/w300-h400/IMG_3946.jpeg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>Breeding rituals of crayfish tend to be an aggressive
affair with much fighting between males. Dominate crayfish that win fights
against other males will behave aggressively towards other crayfish and even
towards their own reflections. Subordinate crayfish who lose fights avoid their
reflections and walk backwards to keep an eye on other crayfish in a timid
fashion. Those who fall into either category typically stay in that role. In
other words, Winners remain winners and losers remain losers. It was once believed
that crayfish in the dominant role released some sort of pheromone the female
could smell and thus were able to better choose an appropriate mate. Now there
is some indication based on laboratory studies that this isn’t the case.
Instead, they participate in a primitive sort of eavesdropping. They are hidden
on the sidelines, watching the fight and when the winner emerges, she will
allow mating with that individual. In other words, she isn’t taking his word
for it, she needs to see it for herself. After mating the female will carry the eggs attached to her swimming appendages. They will remain with her two to twenty weeks before hatching. As newly hatched crayfish they remain connected to their mother through a stalk-like appendage. After molting the stalk no longer keeps them attached to the mother, however she will still carry them with her for two weeks or more. These tiny crayfish babies are able to wander on their own, but often return to the safety of their mother for a period of time. <br /></span>
</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jvWiSZuUUDJ95LoUI5MlULnxr6iJknbVJzAOrtxVr66g6mPV8yAssjTIpE41BxWCNOKIxqnjfRMz1T4hfjfpZt5yzyacGS6vrlk009OQqLVOoIekgXlPBKPh1jiUTtkdhQXhpi0OGiApzl69l-H1Q3ZmV60PntfCaVFuDAbcyzu6oAt5uzvtZCQu-Xw/s4032/IMG_3946.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jvWiSZuUUDJ95LoUI5MlULnxr6iJknbVJzAOrtxVr66g6mPV8yAssjTIpE41BxWCNOKIxqnjfRMz1T4hfjfpZt5yzyacGS6vrlk009OQqLVOoIekgXlPBKPh1jiUTtkdhQXhpi0OGiApzl69l-H1Q3ZmV60PntfCaVFuDAbcyzu6oAt5uzvtZCQu-Xw/w300-h400/IMG_3946.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">These often-overlooked arthropods are important members
of the environments they occur in. They serve various roles from soil excavators,
decomposers, indicator species, landlords to frogs and other wildlife, food for
a wide variety of animals, including humans and medical specimens for
scientific research that benefit human health. Sometimes the lowliest of
creatures fill the most important roles. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEC2CNWlpYOlabG9W-uWtr7t8FJ0c5k6U7C5Jj-SzjaXoyQ7JSe-UFyzU6rES0a7bCtimk7Xu0xQAgyg9n2PJpYM4z45fm_mRORUaMorZQo9-QV4FguXw8gi7pR352Q3hbX6jMpU2-9DZlV4WbOyDUzyN65BSd4u_ucEklAHewelYOulPyn_rP8VdyC8/s4032/IMG_3950.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEC2CNWlpYOlabG9W-uWtr7t8FJ0c5k6U7C5Jj-SzjaXoyQ7JSe-UFyzU6rES0a7bCtimk7Xu0xQAgyg9n2PJpYM4z45fm_mRORUaMorZQo9-QV4FguXw8gi7pR352Q3hbX6jMpU2-9DZlV4WbOyDUzyN65BSd4u_ucEklAHewelYOulPyn_rP8VdyC8/w400-h300/IMG_3950.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-30828710345093009442023-07-31T19:23:00.010-05:002023-07-31T19:26:52.793-05:00Prickly Pear Cactus<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6awrrVdfBNcu5seuy8zG1v8GzIG0N27uKU84MvMQmYetIS_sJm-KjgUokGtXHTd9dgNkYWcsCQC0gOkFLLS-EZNtuEIhk-aq3d-unQD8pjxmbAh7XoisP7cQ6TtvEfdo6Yejo2pPSP9T91oLkhPl6KPV1_9IaNdkXEvghri1xBmjmiIm_mAW6S6741TQ/s4032/1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6awrrVdfBNcu5seuy8zG1v8GzIG0N27uKU84MvMQmYetIS_sJm-KjgUokGtXHTd9dgNkYWcsCQC0gOkFLLS-EZNtuEIhk-aq3d-unQD8pjxmbAh7XoisP7cQ6TtvEfdo6Yejo2pPSP9T91oLkhPl6KPV1_9IaNdkXEvghri1xBmjmiIm_mAW6S6741TQ/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Missouri is home to many wild edibles, but one in
particular stands out. The prickly pear cactus, paddle cactus, or devils tongue
is a native cactus growing throughout out state. When we think of cactus, we
typically think of dry, arid deserts, and with good reason as that is where
most cactus grow. The prickly pear does seem to prefer arid, rocky glades in
their native range; however, they have adapted well to seemingly any weather
conditions and are found through much of the North America, south of Canada. The
name prickly pear is in reference to the fruit the cactus produces in mid to
late summer after the blooms have faded away. Some use the term to describe the
plant itself, and it certainly is prickly. This cactus bites, as I have been
bitten many times by mine. Tiny, clear spines are difficult to remove from
skin! <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> Prickly pear is in the genus <i>Opuntia</i> and was named
after the ancient Greek city of Opus. It was said an edible plant grew there
and could be propagated just by rooting its leaves. While prickly pear does not
technically have leaves, the paddles containing the spines are modified stems
of the plant. However, if you place a cacti pad on the ground, water it for a
few weeks, it will root itself and start a new plant. They are exceedingly easy
to grow. They will spread out about three feet or more and reach heights of
around twelve to fifteen inches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pads will be blue-green or green and have ¼ to ½ inch spines covering them. The
bright yellow flowers appear in mid-summer and once those blooms have died off,
the reddish colored fruit appears. This fruit is often referred to as tuna,
which comes from the Spanish or Haitian name for the plant. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlGni68tnzi1NF7CufZMN2sCd-CJNqTeA1VbceAlm0bcBZyB5iGcCH4ofCJHgIQ_rXj7qu2exMkikzXKk9trI2oS7tUlvc8jOk5OjSe7W8DhNBz01zkDvhfq8jsYle1ujxJdgtHf9EV5gtV6xX2bO52rU6ULlz0aJiZTmvdJ4x35odgqZ1nbpv3uxKRE/s1026/Prickly_Pear_Closeup.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlGni68tnzi1NF7CufZMN2sCd-CJNqTeA1VbceAlm0bcBZyB5iGcCH4ofCJHgIQ_rXj7qu2exMkikzXKk9trI2oS7tUlvc8jOk5OjSe7W8DhNBz01zkDvhfq8jsYle1ujxJdgtHf9EV5gtV6xX2bO52rU6ULlz0aJiZTmvdJ4x35odgqZ1nbpv3uxKRE/w300-h400/Prickly_Pear_Closeup.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By The original uploader was Cactus.man at English Wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Ludmiła Pilecka using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21213670</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Prickly pear holds significant cultural importance to the
Mexican people, so much so, that their flag contains an image of the prickly
pear cactus with an eagle holding a snake. The significance of the image comes
from an Aztec legend. During the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries the Aztec
people governed most of the land we know of today as Mexico. One day an Aztec
priest approached his people and told them that Huitzilopochtli, the God of sun
and war spoke to him. He was instructed to tell his people they had to leave
and set up a new capital city. To find this new location they were to travel
until they spotted an eagle atop a prickly pear cactus devouring a snake.
Eventually they came upon such a place and named it Tenochtitlan, which translates
to “place of the prickly pear cactus.” This ancient city is now at the center
of Mexico City. To honor this legend, the Mexican flag contains the imagery
associated with the legend. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The pads of the cactus are called nopales, and are used
in many remedies, including one for burns, much like using aloe vera for the
same purpose. Drinks to treat hepatitis can be made from the juices of the pads
as well as to help control diabetes. Raw pulp lowers the absorption rate of
sugar in the blood, thus helping avoid insulin shock. Traditionally this plant
has been used to treat inflammation, acid reflux and other digestive disorders,
urinary tract infections, as well as skin conditions. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The diversity of this hardy cactus seems never-ending.
The Aztecs used the juice as a form of adherent. They would soak the cactus
pads overnight in water, and in the morning, they would be incredibly sticky.
They would mix the sticky pads with mortar to create a strong glue-like
substance that is still used in parts of Mexico today in construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wheels overheating on your cart? Well, we
have a solution for that too. Apply the juices of this cactus to the wheels and
no more burning wheels. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqRya6AxWQPQ8sKKjyMSq0Ty8Swb2nnhmKT2YhbOFPwYma-ClYfwgGcThzBylruRLh8JwtqjcgEkqp1PTr3qjSxaJc3TyQ1kZ3nrsuCRTCr8FFsZ7nPQa0gLbp8AxS21GvU8fu7leHuPiWAwuuKv0q0XD8RJk2zRl4hStd-Be-xqBv4La_mdlnlE1z70/s1067/Opuntia_Cactus_in_Behbahan.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqRya6AxWQPQ8sKKjyMSq0Ty8Swb2nnhmKT2YhbOFPwYma-ClYfwgGcThzBylruRLh8JwtqjcgEkqp1PTr3qjSxaJc3TyQ1kZ3nrsuCRTCr8FFsZ7nPQa0gLbp8AxS21GvU8fu7leHuPiWAwuuKv0q0XD8RJk2zRl4hStd-Be-xqBv4La_mdlnlE1z70/s320/Opuntia_Cactus_in_Behbahan.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Photogir - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89434822</td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">To this day there are borders of prickly pear throughout
Mexico to mark boundary lines for property. No need for manmade barbed wire
when nature provides a suitable alternative. Not only have humans found they
can protect their property borders with this gnarly plant-----animals also
benefit from its protection. Birds, rodents, and other small creatures will
burrow or nest under the safety of the cactus pads. After all, not many
predators would want to tackle those sharp spines to gain a meal.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Probably my favorite use for prickly pear is in the
culinary department. There is a plethora of dishes that can be made from the
juices of the pad, as well as the fruit. Anything from salads, soups, wine,
desserts, main dishes, breads, and candy are all options for creative cooks
willing to try something nature provides. You will not only find yourself
experiencing new and unique recipes but gain the potential health benefits from
this vitamin and mineral packed plant. Happy harvesting but be mindful of the
stickers (they bite). </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-88093129694974436622023-07-10T16:39:00.001-05:002023-07-10T16:39:18.075-05:00Mayflies--Natures Bioindicators<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW77x0YuSzvyvzMAql0Zw5cYc-GPNkADPQt1MOQmXqDxDBBC3twRrYROgeqdo2mYf0hCH0fnzn0aMGLHF7sAPNALChsdTd3sCkqTIurW-MbTz_xjT0lW589ZF5xXPUubgVcLne8T80PV6nAxNcgqBfmUbiKnmU47H5SaxGrqCh3PUBKcrcwT5l6pzVgEg/s600/mayflyres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW77x0YuSzvyvzMAql0Zw5cYc-GPNkADPQt1MOQmXqDxDBBC3twRrYROgeqdo2mYf0hCH0fnzn0aMGLHF7sAPNALChsdTd3sCkqTIurW-MbTz_xjT0lW589ZF5xXPUubgVcLne8T80PV6nAxNcgqBfmUbiKnmU47H5SaxGrqCh3PUBKcrcwT5l6pzVgEg/w400-h233/mayflyres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So often we as humans
complain about not having enough time in our lives to get everything done that we
want to. Whether it is traveling to far off places, reading those books we
meant to read or spending more quality time with family, there just never seems
to be enough time to get it all accomplished. Now, imagine if you will, that
you are a mayfly. Mayflies, also called shadflies or Canadian soldiers, are
insects in the family <i>Ephemiperidae,</i> a Latin name which translates into
“short-lived” an apt name for these insects. As a mayfly nymph, after a long
underwater existence you will rise to the surface buoyed up by the air
accumulated between your first and second layers of skin. Once at the surface
you will shed your outer skin (subimago) and take a maiden flight to a nearby
leaf, at this time you will shed your skin a second time which results in your
final adult form. Then the urgency sets in; you are now on a mission to find a
mate, and lay eggs; shortly thereafter you are destined to die…all in the span
of less than 24 hours. Some species of mayflies, like the American sand
burrowing mayfly, have mere minutes to accomplish this feat. This truly gives
meaning to making the most of the time we are given. With more than 650 species
of mayflies in North America there is no shortage of species to see. They are
more common in the Eastern half of the United States, with only a few species
calling the Western portion of the United States home.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG-yWyLFNe_21_UGzZsyNFXdNRPpdDbH59Wr9O9ah7pxBsfb02niyLPRRKqaMr_K9J9D7mSLUfU9p7zAxSiwBVfr7XA9acV16SbeSbhvdnWJzY3umHecIHDHk53t9owTierM0UGGL_RfWE7lDnsMDeC1rD8pbp_JOEPF2ySiwJ0CAZi5GBReLe80w3B0/s1600/mayfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG-yWyLFNe_21_UGzZsyNFXdNRPpdDbH59Wr9O9ah7pxBsfb02niyLPRRKqaMr_K9J9D7mSLUfU9p7zAxSiwBVfr7XA9acV16SbeSbhvdnWJzY3umHecIHDHk53t9owTierM0UGGL_RfWE7lDnsMDeC1rD8pbp_JOEPF2ySiwJ0CAZi5GBReLe80w3B0/w400-h248/mayfly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The lifecycle of a mayfly
begins underwater as a nymph with seven pairs of gills. They live in the bottom
sediment of fast-moving streams, slow moving rivers, ponds, and lakes. The
nymphs feed on sediment; diatoms and several species are even predatory and
feed on other aquatic insects. The presence of mayfly nymphs indicates that a
water source is clean, unpolluted, and highly oxygenated. As such they are
bio-indicators for healthy watery habitats. This allows environmentalists, scientists,
and fisheries biologists to correct potential problems in those environments
before the damage is irreversible. The subimago are a favorite food of trout
and are often used by fisherman as bait. Trout fishermen also use mayflies as a
model for the flies that they tie for bait. Mayflies are the only group of
insects to have this subimago stage into adulthood. As a subimago they do not
fly well, cannot reproduce, and lack the coloring of the adult form that would
attract a mate </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4zCzPAIJAEaLEWWfjUGMBEZBqlj0NH8agT4AaOl0w1qDre4VjZgoPGcAcCp9Gf80PrkFF5LrCB0kdeSphQ3Zzfc-1nYwHmxKFkTgh_Mwj7iAMCWVu3EXy9luAZJBr8VWePiqFUZlhN7sthGkvhEl8B_IASmWDRD2FHTi0LvAmIAf95vCegToPKMj7Vk/s4032/51018014652_a1d44c5c5c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4zCzPAIJAEaLEWWfjUGMBEZBqlj0NH8agT4AaOl0w1qDre4VjZgoPGcAcCp9Gf80PrkFF5LrCB0kdeSphQ3Zzfc-1nYwHmxKFkTgh_Mwj7iAMCWVu3EXy9luAZJBr8VWePiqFUZlhN7sthGkvhEl8B_IASmWDRD2FHTi0LvAmIAf95vCegToPKMj7Vk/s320/51018014652_a1d44c5c5c_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Time is of the essence,
when you only live a day or two, or perhaps only mere minutes, like the
aforementioned black-brown mayfly, there is no time to waste on frivolity. Soon
after mating, the female will drop her eggs upstream in the water; the current
will carry the eggs downstream and deposit them on the substrate in the bottom
of the stream. If the eggs are laid in lakes or ponds, she will drop them
willy-nilly on top the water, and the eggs sink to the bottom. </p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p>In some parts of the
world the emergence of mayflies is a remarkable sight, they all seem to appear
at once in a mass exodus. Mayflies are frequently encountered at pole lights and
other places well-lit at night especially in the early part of summer. In some
parts of the world, hatches are so large they attract tourists from all over
the world to witness the phenomena that is the mayfly hatch. In 2014 a hatch of
black-brown mayflies in Lacrosse, WI was so large it was imaged on weather
radar. It rose 2500 feet into the air and resembled a significant rainstorm. In
areas of large emergences such as this, they quickly amass large die offs that
pile up on roadways and other areas in a slippery, slimy mess, even upon
occasion causing accidents. Millions of mayflies rising up out of the water in
one large swarm, landing on every available surface, may seem like a nuisance
to many humans, but these little insects serve a major role in the lifecycle of
other species. Mayflies are not only consumed by trout and other fish, but
birds, frogs, toads, other insect eating creatures get in on the all-u-can-eat
buffet of mayflies as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHdtR1zgiH916cV5I_qBq0f1cE3T3YP5KQWPUWXtBUKtrU7idDMdUUzi9B2Hd6UU0ouW0xGk4feLVZdVdXmYxQZDxBTDM67fX9oCQ_oBk2Sbu5VbqPMRHHEDN9iX9qvhg1zdOROwPO92DXkmZRby6u_YJcPfgCcfLxlinja3Mhs8vilqaQzLbstfbPFQ/s1600/jumping%20spider%20eating%20mayfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHdtR1zgiH916cV5I_qBq0f1cE3T3YP5KQWPUWXtBUKtrU7idDMdUUzi9B2Hd6UU0ouW0xGk4feLVZdVdXmYxQZDxBTDM67fX9oCQ_oBk2Sbu5VbqPMRHHEDN9iX9qvhg1zdOROwPO92DXkmZRby6u_YJcPfgCcfLxlinja3Mhs8vilqaQzLbstfbPFQ/s320/jumping%20spider%20eating%20mayfly.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Although their large numbers can be intimidating, they are completely harmless
to humans. They cannot bite; in fact, they do not have fully functioning mouth
parts. However, they do have stomachs, although no food will ever pass through
it. Instead, it is filled will air which allows it to fly into the air in a
buoyant flight pattern. This lack of mouth parts means they do not feed. Their
only reason for existence it would appear is to mate, reproduce, and to be
sustenance to other creatures. I did find one resource during my research that
claimed they eat fruits and flowers, but in my opinion, this would be fallacy. Most
likely they are sipping liquid from the fruit or nectar from the flowers. I
know of no mayfly that has the ability to eat, nor do they live long enough to
worry about eating even if they could. <br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p>In 1909 a woman named
Lillian Bland, from Ireland was intrigued by photographs she had seen of early
planes. So impressed was she by the manmade flying machines she embarked on a
mission to create her own. Out of this evolved the “Bland Mayfly” the first
female created aero plane. The maiden flight, in 2010, was more of a glider,
and the success of this unmanned machine prompted her to mount a 20-horsepower
motor on her invention and take flight. She successfully flew this plane until
the middle of 2011, when her father, worried for her safety, bribed her to stop
flying in exchange for a car he would give her. It appears she gave up the life
of flying in exchange for a safer four-wheel mode of transportation.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7FVZFwRlsuxEkbDaj_wPZNUGJEMLNqOUyLMh8umZPgH62fz1XiJomp1ca7yjYEzuxqsr8INuuIFWtIIz1a2RfyILtxraLbCqSPb0MV7g4J334gwK8Rz7xV9r184EmJiPebakxz2oxyMjW5GCUccfMLjQLlkROBaIe6bbvYoZzhQzqdHWGLrq4WBJmvs/s761/Bland_Mayfly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="761" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7FVZFwRlsuxEkbDaj_wPZNUGJEMLNqOUyLMh8umZPgH62fz1XiJomp1ca7yjYEzuxqsr8INuuIFWtIIz1a2RfyILtxraLbCqSPb0MV7g4J334gwK8Rz7xV9r184EmJiPebakxz2oxyMjW5GCUccfMLjQLlkROBaIe6bbvYoZzhQzqdHWGLrq4WBJmvs/w640-h266/Bland_Mayfly.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">George Crabbe, author of
the poem “the newspaper” written in 1785, compared the brief life of the mayfly
to the brevity of the newspaper. He waxed poetically the following: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “In shoals the
hours their constant number bring</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Like insects
waking to the advancing spring</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Which take their
rise from grubs obscene that lie</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In shallow pools,
or thence ascend the sky.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Such are these
base ephemeras; so born.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To die before the
next revolving morn.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As summer progresses be
on the lookout for the newly emerged mayflies that may pay a visit to your
porch lights at night. They are delicate, beautiful creatures, and worth taking
a second glance at. Keep in mind however that the mayfly you see tonight will
be long gone by tomorrow night, having already left behind her eggs and the
chance for future generations.</span></p>
<p></p><br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-47846424369934839922023-06-26T12:34:00.002-05:002023-06-26T12:34:29.153-05:00House Flies--Natures Pesky Pest<p><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pptk32JwHJeGV8SgbJHWmMMGtg01EkZFlGNRnWfZ82fDC2TGUr8HT1vTVJyGK7f_x_0lfaxmLSghho8YHXNRC2sjogVPpJNVK5LAck0glk0cKjqfp9PlrI09ORx50OZrPF8hrXPhrV8TnjnZWvYWjFRUPO2qLU8c_9HS6csPD9SU9qkt-sqYhqp3nFY/s600/house%20fly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pptk32JwHJeGV8SgbJHWmMMGtg01EkZFlGNRnWfZ82fDC2TGUr8HT1vTVJyGK7f_x_0lfaxmLSghho8YHXNRC2sjogVPpJNVK5LAck0glk0cKjqfp9PlrI09ORx50OZrPF8hrXPhrV8TnjnZWvYWjFRUPO2qLU8c_9HS6csPD9SU9qkt-sqYhqp3nFY/w400-h215/house%20fly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Shoofly!
Shoo! How many of us have said those words, or heard someone say them? They
become part of our spring and summertime vocabulary as we try to keep pesky
flies away from our food, drinks, and… well, US! It is a constant battle; that
we are sure the flies are winning. House flies rank right up there with
mosquitoes and ticks as being loathsome and unwanted. Where do they all come
from and what good are they?
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">House flies
(<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Musca domestica</span></i>) are
probably the most common fly encountered by humans. Even their genus name of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">domestica</i> hints at their domesticated
nature, and their association with humans, livestock and pets. In fact it has
been reported that up to 90% of all flies encountered by humans will be the
house fly. House flies are in the order Diptera, which means Two-Wings, and
like all flies they only have one set of wings, or “two-wings.” All other
winged insects have two sets of wings, or “four-wings.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">House flies
are relatively small at approximately ¼ of an inch. They have gray bodies with
four longitudinal stripes on their thorax (behind the head). Their bodies are
covered with hair-like projections. Females are slightly larger than males. How
do you tell a male from a female? Look at the eyes; the females have eyes that
are wide set, whereas males will have eyes that practically meet in the middle,
or touch each other. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Females are
capable of laying up to 500 hundred eggs in their lifetime. These tiny white
eggs will be laid on garbage or animal dung and usually hatch in less than 24
hours. It will take the maggots approximately 5 days to reach their full size,
then they will drop to the ground and burrow into the soil. They will remain in
this underground chamber to pupate and will emerge in a few days as fully grown
adult flies. So we can easily see how we end up with so many flies…with each
female producing hundreds of eggs, and those eggs going from maggot to adult in
less than 1 ½ weeks, and then they are ready to mate in less than 3 days and
start the cycle all over again. It has been estimated that if all the offspring
of a single pair of house flies were to survive throughout one breeding season
beginning in April and ending in August, they would have produced
191,010,000,000,000,000,000 progeny. Thankfully though, not all will live, many
are consumed by other insects, birds, and frogs or are outwardly killed by
humans. A typical adult house fly will live up to 25 days, but may live up to 2
months if suitable food can be found. They are particularly fond of sugars.
According to a study conducted in Texas, breeding site suitability (in
descending order), was horse manure, human excrement, cow manure, fermenting
vegetable, and kitchen waste. However, another study found that structures
containing swine, horse, sheep, cattle, and poultry varied in fly abundance,
with swine facilities containing the most and poultry the least. Fruit and
vegetable cull piles, partially incinerated garbage, and incompletely composted
manure also are highly favored sites for breeding.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr92UmfD-N58-qXE99JWEqRDxWyx3iROFpUGUSlotaaVWes1dXciypSiNIo9fE9WxSxGRWWOCNgwtKPiJc5OpuQvFEX_4bq6M_RevWmwiVGqDlJdx5mDYE7wpuy-wf1jDUIVhjnY8r_2sfAvXX-oD_7Ql02kYMyUvd93ED2QoNFGtzug30Kr8pDg2gxvA/s5184/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr92UmfD-N58-qXE99JWEqRDxWyx3iROFpUGUSlotaaVWes1dXciypSiNIo9fE9WxSxGRWWOCNgwtKPiJc5OpuQvFEX_4bq6M_RevWmwiVGqDlJdx5mDYE7wpuy-wf1jDUIVhjnY8r_2sfAvXX-oD_7Ql02kYMyUvd93ED2QoNFGtzug30Kr8pDg2gxvA/w640-h426/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>House flies
have the potential to spread many diseases, including typhoid, cholera,
dysentery, viral hepatitis, cocci, salmonella, and many other unsavory
pathogens. These are spread to humans through indirect contact, meaning it is
passed through their feces, vomit and from the hairs on their bodies. Think
about where a fly hangs out….then he comes to join your family picnic and lands
on your food. The fly will vomit, defecate or sometimes both right on Aunt
Mabel’s potato salad. Then we consume Aunt Mabel’s potato salad and voila….we
get sick! So the next time someone in your family yells Shoofly! Shoo! There is
good reason for it……these little beasties should be kept away from food meant
for human consumption. The transmission of diseases is more prevalent in areas
where hygiene is poor. Washing and cooking raw vegetables controls the spread
of these pathogens. When outside, keep food covered to deny the fly access.
Remember, that fly has been crawling around on garbage and manure, then landing
on your food….!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Controlling
flies is a difficult endeavor that involves removing animal waste, garbage and
other materials they find suitable for mating and laying eggs. Killing the
adults will help, but remember one fly can produce 500 eggs, so if you do not
remove the areas where eggs are laid, an infestation will occur. This is
especially true near livestock farms. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When being
asked where do they all come from, and what good are they; I point out their
prolific lifestyle and their ability to produce numerous offspring. I try to
find something good in all manner of creatures, including flies. They are
instrumental in breaking down waste which aids in adding nutrients back in the
soil. They are also a food source to numerous other creatures. So not all is
bad where house flies are concerned, but it is still best to keep them at a
distance.</span></p>
<p></p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-63297214296881428632023-06-19T15:16:00.002-05:002023-06-19T15:16:23.117-05:00Tumblebugs----Earths Manure Spreaders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZexQA078u_ytt06x7aBQuU7MY-yHI6fdiY_bYxHhzEaTlYner4yJ5PHl1x7rfU8uxhGDSKF61MeWBpWd_pGblcaK4k08u0n4v5MYa_3weN8FwYiYB0xJxScCWedgNkh7_akyn4oMV1XLP9ybFA4qf3EyZOvigMtzxseqeY2h3zPyfU3g6Je4u74R83w/s6000/IMG_6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZexQA078u_ytt06x7aBQuU7MY-yHI6fdiY_bYxHhzEaTlYner4yJ5PHl1x7rfU8uxhGDSKF61MeWBpWd_pGblcaK4k08u0n4v5MYa_3weN8FwYiYB0xJxScCWedgNkh7_akyn4oMV1XLP9ybFA4qf3EyZOvigMtzxseqeY2h3zPyfU3g6Je4u74R83w/w400-h266/IMG_6176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Poop,
Poop, everywhere Poop, much to the delight of the dung beetle or tumblebug as
it is sometimes called<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, which consumes
dung with as much enthusiasm as we show to an ice cream sundae. These beetles
range in size from very small to quite large at over an inch in length, and all
are incredibly robust looking. These are stout beetles and are unmistakable
when spotted. They may be black, green, brown, or even iridescent in
coloration. Males have a distinctive horn on their head, presumably to fight
for the right to mate with available females. </span></span>
<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These industrious beetles are in the family of
beetles called scarabs. Many of us are familiar with the significance of the
dung rolling scarab beetle in Egyptian historical culture. The activity of
rolling dung was thought to be a symbol of Ra rolling the sun across the sky
each day. Scarabs, especially the dung rolling variety are depicted in Egyptian
culture often and for many reasons. In Gothland, Sweden’s largest island it was
believed that if you encountered a dung beetle on its back and righted it, you
would be purged of all sin. In African folklore it is told that butterfly and
dung beetle were best friends. One day while resting in the shade, first man
and first woman came by. They admired the butterfly but ignored the beetle.
After declaring to the butterfly that he did not like being ignored, the
butterfly encouraged the beetle to become the strongest beetle ever. The beetle
worked hard to gain strength and once again first man and first woman came by.
They witnessed the feats of strength the beetle exhibited by rolling his dung
ball. They were so impressed that for the first time they ignored the butterfly
it all its beauty. The beetle was so proud of his accomplishment that to this
day he continues to roll dung. While this may be folklore, the strength of the
dung beetle is in fact quite remarkable. Most can move ten times their weight,
and one species in particular can move 1,141 times its own weight! That would
be like an average sized man pulling six double decker buses full of people! </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5JT2hO3vK54D9gyFTPwOemJ9kFD--Y8ZcxnwvPsbwZlIv7oBUzvHBIs7f-Jgkis66H1s-af1DW_I8J4fOdnXFyi6sMqbt30glnJP8ksD3wQSvJ9-W6xERFnl0KubTh57EdnOv1jJHttntJ48QYslVopxv2LoO6jOuoT7bHch_SAC3dT88m-E8hDFN98/s6000/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5JT2hO3vK54D9gyFTPwOemJ9kFD--Y8ZcxnwvPsbwZlIv7oBUzvHBIs7f-Jgkis66H1s-af1DW_I8J4fOdnXFyi6sMqbt30glnJP8ksD3wQSvJ9-W6xERFnl0KubTh57EdnOv1jJHttntJ48QYslVopxv2LoO6jOuoT7bHch_SAC3dT88m-E8hDFN98/w400-h266/IMG_2036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dung beetles come in three classifications. There
are rollers, tunnelers and dwellers. Rollers are the ones we are all most
familiar with and get the most attention. They use an extremely sensitive sense
of smell to locate dung, remove a portion of the “cake,” and tamp it into a ball
which they roll to another location to bury. Males are usually the ones moving the ball, while females either walk behind or hitch a ride on top of the ball, and just hang on for the ride.<br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><i>Most of us have watched a video or two of
these beetles racing across the landscape rolling their prized ball with
them at what seems like remarkable speeds when moving something so
cumbersome. They are not trying to set land speed records, these
energetic movers are trying to protect their ball from lazy dung rollers
who mean to steal their hard work. </i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The tunnelers on the other hand
dig a burrow right below the cake and bury it in place. The dwellers took the
easy route and just live inside the cake. These beetles utilize the dung of
herbivores and omnivores with the former be their preference. Plant material is
difficult to digest in its entirety which means bits, and pieces are passed
through the digestive track of large herbivores such as cattle or in Africa it is often elephants and rhinos. The indigestible bits are then deposited inside a nutrient rich pile of poo that
dung beetles find quite tasty. This habit of eating leftover plant material out
of fecal matter also gives them clout as seed dispersers. As they roll the
prized dung ball across the landscape and bury it, seeds are transferred to new
locations and often sprout into new plants. Because dung contains all the
nutrients and moisture these beetles need, they do not seek other forms of food or water. However, there are some species of these beetles that prefer
fungi and decaying fruit. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">All three types use dung as a food source for their
offspring. Eggs are laid within the fecal matter, and when the eggs hatch the
larvae feed on the provided meal. In the case of those that bury the dung,
often both parents stay with the offspring and guard them from potential
predation. Once the larvae form pupas the parents eat much of what is left of
the dung ball.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiov6FLBv3HRQUKbO1kx2A2ARWn9dUs1P8PBpfWC-CtGTlq4Mt4TxYuttbVgOeAmfKSIMFXmgTk_GbCV-09KGGrMlrFZNQGuFsjCT8LKRed8p3E5XxZYppabh5S7HFu0WR3hK7khBYIjxTgi9tRcrtmJx-urUr4-51zEyeop0j90yuR_EZKkhy-XyLWpYE/s600/dung%20beetle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiov6FLBv3HRQUKbO1kx2A2ARWn9dUs1P8PBpfWC-CtGTlq4Mt4TxYuttbVgOeAmfKSIMFXmgTk_GbCV-09KGGrMlrFZNQGuFsjCT8LKRed8p3E5XxZYppabh5S7HFu0WR3hK7khBYIjxTgi9tRcrtmJx-urUr4-51zEyeop0j90yuR_EZKkhy-XyLWpYE/w640-h346/dung%20beetle1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In our area they are most likely to occur in feed
lots where cattle are kept or in pastures with horses or cows. But worldwide may
be found in a wide variety of habitats including deserts, woodlands, savannas and grasslands.
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">These beetles are important components in the
environment, and they play a significant role in breaking down organic matter
(dung) and returning it back to the soil as a nutrient rich substance. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They aerate the soil, compete for
underground nesting sites with several different species of flies, as well as remove the
availability of dung for the flies to feed on or lay eggs in at the surface (which greatly reduces the
fly populations). Thus reducing the number of flies that pester your livestock,
keeping them healthier. Their habits add nutrients back to the soil which
helps prevent pasture fouling. Pasture grasses will yield better stands and
provide more fodder for cattle and horses, thus reducing the amount of hay that
needs to be purchased to supplement their diet. Not to mention an estimated 380
million dollars annually is saved in the cattle industry by these beetles and
their dispersal of dung. The use of chemical control of flies in cattle lots
has had a dramatic impact on populations of dung beetles. Many individuals are beginning
to understand the detrimental result of this practice and have eliminated the
use of such chemicals or have greatly reduced the amount used. Chemicals that
kill flies often kill beetles and many other insects.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqlkV-mx_5HVwHAdQVYKqkF4IQYqGlg15Uk9hV06TPmfSMDbNiW-ptk9anUEjn12zVgMxzOSIpvfUdFMWRrhGZSFYX6Lg2ftFSfq8ssrFifWUAJV0XukGlLYm1a8nOCcyRMuRezzcSNZlQbfqc6ZCtuwsGr_TaY6QsVcHz-4W5oFOIkrBgI6bgMuqwkQ/s600/dung%20beetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqlkV-mx_5HVwHAdQVYKqkF4IQYqGlg15Uk9hV06TPmfSMDbNiW-ptk9anUEjn12zVgMxzOSIpvfUdFMWRrhGZSFYX6Lg2ftFSfq8ssrFifWUAJV0XukGlLYm1a8nOCcyRMuRezzcSNZlQbfqc6ZCtuwsGr_TaY6QsVcHz-4W5oFOIkrBgI6bgMuqwkQ/w400-h275/dung%20beetle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span>There are species that navigate using the milky
way, still others that use moonlight to traverse their habitats. They occur on
all continents except Antarctica. These unique beetles are beneficial by aiding
in a healthier environment for all of us. They should be encouraged and
marveled at, and never destroyed. If you want a chance to watch these beetles
in action, they are more active in the late evening and nighttime hours. Grab a
flashlight and head to the nearest pasture, scan the piles of dung and you may
just get to see one of these beetles forming and burying their dung ball. <p></p>
<p></p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-18605179357581293122023-06-12T19:17:00.007-05:002023-06-12T19:17:42.465-05:00Inchworms<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikAE3-eTtc69zvFJLLtL1L0aOYCrqTJviFHXb6xkvRw9HedD2OjbEMTNfSj-I1O0iunUDeeOsC6-U0MB-XV1eMPxVdTDVKnkT8kDWNl_BDXNuavvSvy42ZbOFaV_Zz0VeejJenhI8W5Mei2Ze2KDzAen_CvfSb_w3gYRnPyDh_Nwm-or4ODNQ4OEx/s6000/IMG_6258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikAE3-eTtc69zvFJLLtL1L0aOYCrqTJviFHXb6xkvRw9HedD2OjbEMTNfSj-I1O0iunUDeeOsC6-U0MB-XV1eMPxVdTDVKnkT8kDWNl_BDXNuavvSvy42ZbOFaV_Zz0VeejJenhI8W5Mei2Ze2KDzAen_CvfSb_w3gYRnPyDh_Nwm-or4ODNQ4OEx/w400-h266/IMG_6258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Who doesn’t have fond memories of childhood, capturing
“bugs” such as ladybugs, roly-poly’s, or the intriguing inchworm? Harmless
insects such as these have fascinated children for generations. I can remember
capturing inchworms and letting them crawl over my hand or across my arm,
fascinated by their movement. Legend has it that an inchworm crawling on you,
is measuring you for your coffin. After 50 years, I can attest to the falsehood
of this claim. <span> </span>Inchworms get their name
from their unique mobility. This creative movement is possible because of the
absence of middle legs. Their legs instead are located at the front and rear of
the caterpillar. They essentially clasp with the front legs and draw up the
hind end then clasp with the hind legs, giving them a humpback appearance. Before
reaching out again with those front legs to clasp onto something else,
repeating their motility. This unique movement gives the impression they are
measuring their journey; thus, the name “inchworm” was attributed to them.
</span></span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The first inchworm found in Baltic amber was discovered
in 2019 and was given the name Eogemeter. It was estimated to date back 44
million years ago! So, they have been around a very long time. Currently there
are approximately 24,000 species of inchworms found Worldwide, 1400 of which
live in North America, there is no shortage of these fascinating caterpillars.
They belong to the family of moths called the Geometer moths. This name is
derived from the Latin word geometra and translates loosely into “earth measurer.”
Which is also a descriptive term for their unique movement. They may be green,
gray or a shade of brown, with some species being nearly black. Some may have
spots, or stripes, but all are masters of camouflage. These small, thin
caterpillars resemble twigs and blend in well with their environment. When
disturbed many species will bungie jump from their vantage point via a piece of
silk string they release. This silk string will harden, allowing the
caterpillar to climb back up to continue feeding once danger has passed. Some
parasitic wasps, however, are aware of the trickery of these caterpillars. They
can locate the silk line and either reel up a desperate caterpillar or maneuver
themselves down the silken line to inject eggs inside the horrified inchworm….
which hatch into tiny wasp larvae that feed on the caterpillar from the inside
out. Other insects, like yellow jackets and paper wasps paralyze the inchworm
with special enzymes and masticate them, only to serve them up as a tasty meal
for their offspring in a form of inchworm vomit.<span> </span>With all the birds, and predatory insects out
there that feed on these caterpillars I am certain they are kept busy reeling
themselves down and climbing back up multiple times daily. Other species of
inchworms will stand erect on their hindlegs completely motionless, giving the
appearance of a small twig. These enterprising caterpillars manage to avoid
being eaten by freezing in place. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfl4wyy5Vvvj8fWuHWR-3VWmHfd4LTgzqC5TBCtt2pSpaqUeZz6HuMlro0zziSNE17SQZaSye8Tkl6lMegDeOO26c86BCSFFlu7jkYWdJrlNCYkYcEAZsGItNbQiVz8i4AjtuQtGKO15e8Bez3XAVo-aE0_jclX57mBKoTekhaYZFiH9HQCiR_Xl2/s6000/IMG_6263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfl4wyy5Vvvj8fWuHWR-3VWmHfd4LTgzqC5TBCtt2pSpaqUeZz6HuMlro0zziSNE17SQZaSye8Tkl6lMegDeOO26c86BCSFFlu7jkYWdJrlNCYkYcEAZsGItNbQiVz8i4AjtuQtGKO15e8Bez3XAVo-aE0_jclX57mBKoTekhaYZFiH9HQCiR_Xl2/w640-h426/IMG_6263.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inchworms, like all caterpillars, are herbivores and feed
on a wide variety of plant material. There is an exception though. In Hawaii
lives an inchworm that is carnivorous and feeds on insects and spiders. They
have a specially adapted mouth and lightning-fast reflexes and can capture an
insect in 0.1 seconds. These meat-eating inchworms are referred to as pugs. At
this point, these are the only known predatory caterpillars living today. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Inchworms are considered a social insect and will often
gather in relatively large groups but will feed as loners away from their
brethren. Inchworms are boom and bust insects. Meaning there are years of
plenty and years of few. Their cycle is typically two to seven years of higher
populations, then thirteen to eighteen years of low population. The last
significant, damaging population explosion occurred in the 1970’s. These
explosions in population can cause significant damage to fruit trees, and
deciduous shade trees, which are their typical foods of choice. If higher
populations remain for three years or more, the continued defoliation of trees
may lead to extremely stressed trees that end up dying. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Many people may know these caterpillars by their other
common name ofcankerworm. There are two types of cankerworms, the spring and
fall species. <span> </span>The spring cankerworm
spends the winter in the soil as a mature caterpillar until spring when they
will form a cocoon and pupate into the adult form that will emerge in a few
weeks. Typically, it will be early April through mid-May when the adults appear.
Fall cankerworms emerge as adult moths in October after a hard freeze. The
males appear first, followed by females a few days later. Mating takes place
and females will lay eggs in clusters that overwinter and hatch the following
spring. Adults die shortly after mating. They hatch in spring, usually to coincide
with the budding of trees. In about four weeks they will drop to the ground and
finish their lifecyle to the adult stage. Both spring and fall cankerworms
typically begin feeding at the same time each spring, even though their
lifecycles are a little different from each other. In years of excessive
population numbers, control measures may be needed. Assess your trees and try
to start any treatment when the caterpillars are in their earliest stages,
older caterpillars are more difficult to impossible to control. In most cases,
however, control is not needed, and natural predators will take care of the
problem. If you do need to use chemicals, find those with Bt (<i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>)
as a key ingredient, it is the safest and has the most effect on the
caterpillars. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Historically other control measures were implemented
which resulted in a whole other problematic issue. In the 1850’s immigrants
from Europe found our country devoid of familiar wildlife. They drastically
missed the birds they had lived with back home. It was also during this time
that a huge outbreak of cankerworms appeared and were destroying the Linden
trees in New York City. An enterprising individual by the name of Nicholas
Pike, had a plan. He bought eight pairs of English sparrows, or house sparrows
as they are more commonly referred to as. These birds were released in New York
and did a fabulous job of eating the caterpillars causing all the havoc. It is
believed those initial birds are the ancestors of all house sparrows living in
the United States today. Others claim those initial sixteen birds did not
reproduce and subsequent purposeful releases did the trick. Either way, this is
a case of the cure, being arguably worse than the problem at hand. </span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;">Finding yourself in the middle of a plague of
inchworms, often dangling in an unsightly manner like pendants on a string only
to drop on your head, can be a bit annoying. Not to mention watching as they
defoliate your orchard, leaving behind a barren </span></span><p></p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-47816342089972496462023-05-29T16:57:00.004-05:002023-05-29T22:03:29.463-05:00Bleeding Heart<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAYQG1nT003h_OmGvKiJDpRiO_mvSbu5cMYgkCi1II6J9imhNbAWIdDoET6JqglQGJ1Vrz4yr8zw0rBPD8yAxvtZR3PbRfI0JZA4XyJsDxO69YfFsc8NFsVd53HhD1thuXfErv3OxNZxu4VLVg6rRqCJTatzgGDsF7MojPNXDDllvDWckkERKuL_6/s3872/flowers%20and%20insects%20047.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3872" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAYQG1nT003h_OmGvKiJDpRiO_mvSbu5cMYgkCi1II6J9imhNbAWIdDoET6JqglQGJ1Vrz4yr8zw0rBPD8yAxvtZR3PbRfI0JZA4XyJsDxO69YfFsc8NFsVd53HhD1thuXfErv3OxNZxu4VLVg6rRqCJTatzgGDsF7MojPNXDDllvDWckkERKuL_6/w268-h400/flowers%20and%20insects%20047.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><span style="font-family: courier;">As a little
girl I was fascinated by a plant that grew in my grandmothers garden, each
spring it would be covered in perfect, delicate pink hearts. I could not fathom
how such a plant could grow hearts. My grandmother explained to me it was
called the Bleeding Heart, and that particular plant came from her own mothers
garden, and before that from her grandmothers garden. I could tell this plant
was extra special in my grandmother, and her love of what it represented to her
was displayed for all to see in those perfect hearts. Nearly thirty years ago,
after moving to the farm, my grandmother gifted me a start off of the bleeding
heart her family had so lovingly passed from one generation to the next. It is
still my absolute favorite plant growing in my gardens. I lost my grandmother a
few years ago, but a part of her lives on through those enchanting blooms. </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: courier;">There are
several species of bleeding hearts, one variety is native to the United States,
but the variety mentioned here is native to China, Korea and Siberia and was
later well established in Japan. As early as 1810 this unique plant made its
way into Europe, by the then famous Scottish botanist Robert Fortune. It was
subsequently lost, until it was brought back in 1846 by the Royal Horticulture
Society on exploratory trips East. The unique shape, color and foliage of the
plant earned it favor among royalty and commoners alike and was soon planted
all over Europe. As more and more people immigrated from Europe and Asia into
the newly developing colony states and later the United States, they brought
with them many of the plants they so loved in their home countries. Bleeding
hearts among them. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmODpPFwgaGVGm7-t5Fdn8Q6KKmI6hlaF47xcIT6uAlNevyXesJNiR2n1OEf7W3QaVipOJI-yO7Az0KxzpaDKD0bON7Bu5Y4SN0O7Nwk5boza1pNdRQVbCKSOihxvTEELTr2eKrXiPbeMgX4T5W4txx3bD9RaUe_OYiA5RAlAcFawCCBmohYzG7SE0/s4032/IMG_3243.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmODpPFwgaGVGm7-t5Fdn8Q6KKmI6hlaF47xcIT6uAlNevyXesJNiR2n1OEf7W3QaVipOJI-yO7Az0KxzpaDKD0bON7Bu5Y4SN0O7Nwk5boza1pNdRQVbCKSOihxvTEELTr2eKrXiPbeMgX4T5W4txx3bD9RaUe_OYiA5RAlAcFawCCBmohYzG7SE0/w300-h400/IMG_3243.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;">The bleeding
heart goes by many names, including lyre flower, lady-in-a-bath, and locks
& keys. Each name in some way reflects the unique shape of the bloom. They
were once included in the same genus as our native Dutchman’s breeches, and it
is easy to see why. Both plants have blossoms that grow like pendants hanging
in rows under delicate stems. However, scientists now classify them in another
family of plants, that includes the poppies. The delicate flower is shaped like
our most famous symbol of love, hearts, and varies in color from pink to deep
fuchsia. These slightly puffy blooms resemble tiny lanterns with two white
inner petals and a stamen peeking out underneath. These inner petals appear to
be dripping from the lantern. They have a delicate sweet scent and are showy in
any spring garden. They prefer shade to partial shade but will tolerate sun in
cooler climates. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb93-EQfljLfl2EsNt2C2-_Ma1t7b3M2S5-FQrCCO2xKjpgmI0uXwDSClDW8i5O29p22TfucgT-Qyeaqnqr9wIMnfhqde5ybDQEYIATQaHOn4lH-wKkbe3dY8FTWKpcKAgVFUBt6EonT2f9Opro0BilaMCSJN2YagY4VkPTUpFFNpdQut0WVUigvc4/s1186/bleeding%20hearts87.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1186" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb93-EQfljLfl2EsNt2C2-_Ma1t7b3M2S5-FQrCCO2xKjpgmI0uXwDSClDW8i5O29p22TfucgT-Qyeaqnqr9wIMnfhqde5ybDQEYIATQaHOn4lH-wKkbe3dY8FTWKpcKAgVFUBt6EonT2f9Opro0BilaMCSJN2YagY4VkPTUpFFNpdQut0WVUigvc4/w400-h268/bleeding%20hearts87.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;">Homeopathic
healers recognize the medicinal value of the bleeding heart and often create
remedies to treat coughing, dizziness, and skin disorders. May also be used as
stimulants or diuretics. However, this plant is considered toxic to humans as
well as pets, like dogs and should not be consumed in any way, as it contains
isoquinoline alkaloids and may cause trembling, convulsions, diarrhea, and
vomiting as well as breathing issues. Even handling the plant should only </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;">be
done while wearing gloves as the secretions of the plant may cause skin
irritations. Leave the home remedies up to the experts.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_avQ_loG97xJmLW1ylYUgkcP5qe8GK5U6_xhqdK0eBhHqw6MUxyNOvC80vcrrev7TazKWHZW5KVN4ycC-XKfgMnYcgY-xyCyP-wEPCu3kfQyiaQGSTa6rVHjDaJ8Jwq6CqYwZ2HfLWzHBh1H18-JpA04kbTLRmGx8Cd71U79czC0VQoUHxd4y32H/s4032/IMG_3242.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_avQ_loG97xJmLW1ylYUgkcP5qe8GK5U6_xhqdK0eBhHqw6MUxyNOvC80vcrrev7TazKWHZW5KVN4ycC-XKfgMnYcgY-xyCyP-wEPCu3kfQyiaQGSTa6rVHjDaJ8Jwq6CqYwZ2HfLWzHBh1H18-JpA04kbTLRmGx8Cd71U79czC0VQoUHxd4y32H/w200-h150/IMG_3242.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;">Several
legends surround this spectacular plant, one of which originates in China where
it is said a Jade maiden named Si Jun, who was originally a minor deity and
considered virtuous as well as beautiful. Si Jun lived in ancient times, in a
beautiful valley between the mountains. She was kind, faithful, wise, and had
numerous suitors. However, the loyal Si Jun – her name translates as ‘the one
thinking of her lord’ – refused all of them. She had her secret love, a
beautiful and handsome young man. Her beloved was a soldier, encamped far from
her and forbidden to communicate with his love and send her answers in letters.
The faithful and patient Si Jun waited for his return. While waiting, she would
dedicate herself to embroidery. Once a month, she would embroider a purse she
dedicated to her lover. The embroidered purse would hang on the branch of a
peony tree by her window. Her embroidery was so beautiful and real, that it
tricked bees and butterflies. The bees and butterflies would try to pollinate
the artificial motifs on the purse, and it continued for so long that the peony
tree gave new, heart-shaped flowers. The gods made it into a new plant, the one
Chinese legend refers to as the ’purse peony’. The story of Si Jun inspired a
custom of giving this plant as a precious love promise or even a proposal of
marriage since the flower has a shape like a bridal purse. The symbolism of the
’purse peony’ in China is similar to that of red roses in European culture. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonOG_EETHp9fdjhJq1npgSL8Mdi4Vdbw0OC31LzE6w1dINt9vtVnZMKN0d-HFoKWbdoRVhg2fgflkr-pczSYWay9WYgy8MRvBmSaSrl9W0scDqfAVxP6pIMwVGMGIBlT6sp1gn8GhWFcTf75hg3Lni5hA2WMxbYWv7JYD5RlUGLuIXq3-e3l1VnHO/s3872/flowers%20and%20insects%20044.jpg" style="font-family: courier; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3872" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonOG_EETHp9fdjhJq1npgSL8Mdi4Vdbw0OC31LzE6w1dINt9vtVnZMKN0d-HFoKWbdoRVhg2fgflkr-pczSYWay9WYgy8MRvBmSaSrl9W0scDqfAVxP6pIMwVGMGIBlT6sp1gn8GhWFcTf75hg3Lni5hA2WMxbYWv7JYD5RlUGLuIXq3-e3l1VnHO/w640-h428/flowers%20and%20insects%20044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: courier;">Another legend
begins in Japan where it is said a noble prince was smitten with a selfish, but
beautiful princess. He tried in vain to win her love, he frequently brought her
extravagant gifts from his worldly travels. Yet she took no notice of him.
Returning from a long journey, bearing with him special gifts, he felt sure
would win her heart. First, he gave her two magical pink bunnies (peel off the
outer two petals and set them on their side to reveal little bunnies). The
princess only sighed, not impressed. The prince did not lose hope and presented
her with a beautiful pair of enchanted earrings (remove the two long white
petals and hold them to your ear). She happily accepted the gift, but declared
she could not love him. Still unable to give up hope he made her a gift of
slippers from delicate silk (inner two petals). The princess barely took notice
and again declared she could never love him. Defeated and forlorn, the prince
had no choice but to give up. He rose up and pulled a dagger from his sheath
and stabbed himself in the heart (remaining in the flower is a heart shape with
a stamen that appears as a dark green line down the center, hold the heart up
and carefully remove the dagger-like line and plunge it though the heart). The
princess was overcome by the devotion of the young prince and his unending love
for her. She then realized too late that she loved him too. “Alas” she cried
out “I have done a wrong, my own heart is broken also, I shall bleed for my
prince ever more. Her heart bleeds to this day.</span><div><span style="font-family: courier;">It is said that the bleeding heart plant appeared for the first time at the place where this love smitten man died of a broken heart and self-inflicted wounds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"></span><p></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGj8ByAolbF8f45hOYDc93_5ViutojH8ThCHSO-WxE0Ea22ixwg4M6pZo8MBBv1kyGWLCV8c_eEELo1rD8efglVKjxXA7IvOGYpb_1taa2077WljF1HPaM9Goy1tnfOq13UKs1t7a8rV7RJgEWwwSEjidcXD45nFe_MxXg0yV_66Nghh57ugvJnWE/s3872/flowers%20and%20insects%20046.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3872" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGj8ByAolbF8f45hOYDc93_5ViutojH8ThCHSO-WxE0Ea22ixwg4M6pZo8MBBv1kyGWLCV8c_eEELo1rD8efglVKjxXA7IvOGYpb_1taa2077WljF1HPaM9Goy1tnfOq13UKs1t7a8rV7RJgEWwwSEjidcXD45nFe_MxXg0yV_66Nghh57ugvJnWE/s320/flowers%20and%20insects%20046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: 11pt;">Try pressing
the heart-shaped blossoms between the pages of a book to dry. They will become
perfectly shaped paper-thin hearts, any valentine or loved one would cherish in
a message of love. The bleeding heart, favored by royalty, steeped in legend
both beautiful and tragic is a beautiful addition to any shade garden. <br /></span></p>
<p></p></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-45256011854400070832023-05-22T18:56:00.009-05:002023-05-23T21:15:05.473-05:00Horse Chestnut<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Receiving phone calls or emails from readers with questions or
suggestions for topics to write about is one of my favorite aspects of writing.
It encourages me to learn new things, and as my grandfather used to say to me
“no day is complete unless you have learned something new.” Recently I heard
from Don W. in Fillmore, MO. He wanted to know if I was familiar with the
Horse-chestnut tree. I told him I was not, and after visiting with him I knew I
needed to learn more about this tree. I was able to photograph the tree on his
sons property and came to the conclusion it is a beautiful landscape tree.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0yKWaDBM6luv9M7Q7Y4DIuzznXzgkJjx5xAz3pIF74_GCcmhKLEDlSrhjhC6lqjFLEnRtyP1UtR4SRIyZdYr86Y2BYkuabfPEmtmAMdMsf2q5kl27m1HDQFQe2L0SlPFjce8q0I7YKsrNTnAS4u4R4bsSkduFLHaToxgzRewAFOTdHG5seKZs9Zj/s4032/chestnut4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0yKWaDBM6luv9M7Q7Y4DIuzznXzgkJjx5xAz3pIF74_GCcmhKLEDlSrhjhC6lqjFLEnRtyP1UtR4SRIyZdYr86Y2BYkuabfPEmtmAMdMsf2q5kl27m1HDQFQe2L0SlPFjce8q0I7YKsrNTnAS4u4R4bsSkduFLHaToxgzRewAFOTdHG5seKZs9Zj/w300-h400/chestnut4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Horse-chestnuts, also called the Conker tree or buckeye
are native to the Balkans, including Greece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Albania. Because of
their beauty they quickly became popular worldwide and can now be found in all
reaches of the globe. Typically, they grace parks, and tree-lined avenues, or
botanical gardens. They are rarely found in the forests within their homeland. These are large trees that may reach heights up to 130 feet
and produce beautiful panicles of white flowers tipped in yellow or pink that
bloom in May. These panicles may be four to twelve inches tall and contain up
to fifty flowers. From the panicle fruit develops, in the form of a fleshy,
bumpy husk, with a warty appearance. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">"When the leaves fall in autumn, a perfect horseshoe shape, complete with seven "nail holes" is visible at the end of each stem."</span></b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8a01rArqKpkDZX6QKBAn_uOxzv2zbEuFYW0cqLMNqCPk19clVDB3dJyUof0e52MAZfgppwghmdHVJ5_0bq09ZQtTHdsM5FzEUscsL_KHHO3qDPnPlylsLPDwVzKEabB18gN3X4hJRDnqidMvsTZVb80zq-FiyFOlQdYIwsaoGuqID7WnE3ESzqtx/s2472/chestnut%206.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2472" data-original-width="1854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8a01rArqKpkDZX6QKBAn_uOxzv2zbEuFYW0cqLMNqCPk19clVDB3dJyUof0e52MAZfgppwghmdHVJ5_0bq09ZQtTHdsM5FzEUscsL_KHHO3qDPnPlylsLPDwVzKEabB18gN3X4hJRDnqidMvsTZVb80zq-FiyFOlQdYIwsaoGuqID7WnE3ESzqtx/s320/chestnut%206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Within each capsule a nut-like seed
develops called a Conker. The common name of horse chestnut comes from the
observation that these nuts may cure coughs or panting in horses. Which I find
ironic for reasons I will mention later. It is also believed the name comes
from their similarity in appearance to the sweet chestnut trees, like the
American chestnut, Japanese chestnut, Chinese chestnut, and European chestnut.
The Horse chestnut shares the same family of trees as the soapberry and maple
trees. Whereas the sweet chestnuts are in the same family of trees as oaks and
beech.<div><br /></div><div>These trees are related to the buckeye tree, that we are all
familiar with, which produces the attractive nut, said to bring good luck to
anyone who carries one on their person. (I remember as a young girl being so excited when a fellow student would bring a handful of buckeyes into school to share. I still love finding or receiving buckeyes.) The nut of the horse chestnut is said
to resemble the eyes of a deer; thus, the name buckeye became a colloquial name
to describe the tree. <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The infamous American chestnut tree, native to the United
States is now considered functionally extinct, meaning that while there are
some estimated 430 million stems growing in forests throughout the Eastern
United States, none of these stems are growing into the adult tree as they
should. They are all less than one inch in diameter. Because they cannot
reproduce or produce seeds, they are not contributing to the forest ecosystem
in beneficial ways. The American chestnut is highly susceptible to chestnut
blight, which creates a canker around the tree effectively girdling and strangling the
tree. Older, larger trees will succumb to the blight in two to five years,
whereas young, immature trees may die in a single season. Scientist are working
on a biologically engineered variety of the American chestnut that is resistant
to the blight. The end goal is to repopulate our forests with this iconic tree.
American chestnut trees traditionally were prized for their timber and for the
benefits to wildlife in the form of a food source in the consumption of the
nuts. Even humans enjoy eating chestnuts, after all who hasn’t heard the popular Christmas song “Chestnuts roasting on an Open Fire?” They are not called sweet
chestnuts for nothing. These tasty nuts are often baked or roasted after a
curing period that turns the starches in the nut to sugars. Chestnuts are higher
in vitamin C than most other nuts, lower in fat and contain more starch than a
potato, which earned them the nick-name Potato Tree. Horse chestnuts on the
other hand are considered toxic and non-edible. So how do we tell the
difference between a sweet chestnut and the poisonous horse chestnut? The sweet
varieties have a sharp spiny bur covering the nuts, and each nut will have a
tassel or point at one end of the nut. Horse chestnuts lack this tassel or point,
instead they are flattened in shape.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZgcHBlUdoKnqLe52N0FtP8Jdl06SDRJQWfLLfKh2Vw94L9l4a6wpPUGVKum3S0ohZwGFi0vUHqAu6E148DU_VuOQQ7o-ZugvR_EOq2c4IRPfwUE-8dAkCgeBr6E4iiE5LnJ9RxFByXe9sHN2_sijvpJUnpTYZeqeWwgELdxP7UBpDMarFqpgqqeu/s4032/chestnut%203.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZgcHBlUdoKnqLe52N0FtP8Jdl06SDRJQWfLLfKh2Vw94L9l4a6wpPUGVKum3S0ohZwGFi0vUHqAu6E148DU_VuOQQ7o-ZugvR_EOq2c4IRPfwUE-8dAkCgeBr6E4iiE5LnJ9RxFByXe9sHN2_sijvpJUnpTYZeqeWwgELdxP7UBpDMarFqpgqqeu/w300-h400/chestnut%203.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Horse chestnut seeds are reported to cause tremors and
lack of coordination in horses. Remember I said I would explain how ironic it
was that people fed the seeds to horses to cure coughing and panting. This
might be a case of “the cure being worse than the cause.” The FDA has
classified this tree as unsafe for consumption. We may not be able to eat these
nuts, but we can benefit from them in other ways.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">A suitable, inexpensive
laundry soap can be made for those of us looking for less chemically ladened
products. <span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" dir="auto">Simply
peel, then grate or chop conkers and soak in warm water for a couple of
hours. For a bar of soap put the conkers in a cheese cloth or piece of muslin then
squeeze out the excess moisture before pressing into a mold. Use the
soaking water as a laundry liquid. For liquid soap blend around 20
soaked conkers in 6 liters of water. If you wanted you could add some
essential oils.The resulting laundry or bath soap is reported to be gentle on your skin and even better its free! <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or perhaps, you could play a game of “conkers” named after the seed.
This game is played by drilling a hole in one end of your nut (conker) and
threading a string through it. Tie a knot and take turns swinging and striking
the conker of your opponent. The first person whose conker breaks loses. This
game was first recorded on the Isle of Wright in 1821 and grew in popularity
throughout Europe and Ireland. By the 1940’s it was played on the street of New
York and quickly became popular throughout the Eastern United States where it
is still played in some areas today. The name conker translates to “knock-out”
which would explain other variations of the game. Each player stands on one
side of a wall and chucks conkers at his opponent trying to make bodily
contact. This slightly more aggressive form of the game may have come from the
word onomatopoeia. This long, complicated word, comes from the two Greek words <em><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">onoma, </span></em>meaning "name" and<em><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> poiein </span></em>“to make"<em><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. </span></em>So, in a literal sense,
onomatopoeia means "to make a sound. Such as the sound of the conker seed
striking something hard, like a skull! </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNkB6Dok3x8EHrokc_OwlAQ6KqUgo90jZ5gXvyVwNG1Jo8TAKvanVjaWHt0J85VErhYknWZt1ABffwv_RbHDcyFB9I4NXsiC4CaMFiVJF92v72-kx7zj4paq0UEXtHi8sxp_qyjoXbbOoQYb0lPNMv9P5X8Q9HxrMjUpEHEIF-wqUfmkXkxawAJAn/s600/5073546.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNkB6Dok3x8EHrokc_OwlAQ6KqUgo90jZ5gXvyVwNG1Jo8TAKvanVjaWHt0J85VErhYknWZt1ABffwv_RbHDcyFB9I4NXsiC4CaMFiVJF92v72-kx7zj4paq0UEXtHi8sxp_qyjoXbbOoQYb0lPNMv9P5X8Q9HxrMjUpEHEIF-wqUfmkXkxawAJAn/s320/5073546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> If you don't mind being called a cheater, try aging your conker into something called a laggis. Conkers are left for a year to harden, and the result is the laggis, This almost always guarantees you will have the advantage needed to usurp your opponent. Want to speed up the hardening process? Soak or boil your conker in vinegar or try baking it in the oven.
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh-cpq3y9E-3a5kNKllbZFewtajUjBXg3NlrLgoYJQ_qj2GRF30JsZpTxut_UVafMbUd_J6-E9lHNNQzGAvNTKy6cc30w0vpSAPeDVDKqxZiGXPfdwI6f-enFgACdHEUrD4BWKOkYKMoSXvXPHE3vZIJEe-oHzWv9jslx1bo6W5gyGUwQiGUX5ooC/s924/61hihVYZOzL._AC_SL1000_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="924" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh-cpq3y9E-3a5kNKllbZFewtajUjBXg3NlrLgoYJQ_qj2GRF30JsZpTxut_UVafMbUd_J6-E9lHNNQzGAvNTKy6cc30w0vpSAPeDVDKqxZiGXPfdwI6f-enFgACdHEUrD4BWKOkYKMoSXvXPHE3vZIJEe-oHzWv9jslx1bo6W5gyGUwQiGUX5ooC/s320/61hihVYZOzL._AC_SL1000_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Some people claim the saponins within the seeds, can repel spiders. There does not seem to be any scientific proof this works, but saponins are toxic enough to most likely repel insects in areas where seeds fall and these toxins have permeated the ground. Just not sure how effective it would be to keep spiders at bay. <br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">During WWI conker seeds were collected by many people ,
including children, and turned over to our government. These seeds were valued
for their starch content which through a fermenting process could be used to
produce acetone, which was then used to create cordate, that was used in the
manufacturing of armaments. The conker seed was selected by the US government as a viable starch source. This choice was made to avoid starvation in an already struggling population, which they felt would happen if they used already low supplies of high starch food sources, such as potatoes. However,
this particular nut proved to be a poor alternative to other starch rich foods and was
abandoned after three months.That did not stop people from reprising this idea during WWII, when once again seeds were collected, and fermented, and cordite was created, and the whole thing was abandoned in short order. Some lessons are never learned, or perhaps these enterprising individuals thought they could succeed where their predecessors did not. <br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fan of beer? Before the time of refrigeration, creative individuals in Bulgaria planted the horse chestnut tree near the cellars used for lagering beer. The trees shaded the cellars, and because of their shallow root system they did not damage the caverns within. Because beer was often served near the cellars, the term beer garden was coined and still used today. Although you probably will be enjoying said garden at the top of a high rise patio rather than an outdoor cellar. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In Amsterdam a horse chestnut, which grew in the center
of town was referred to as the Anne Frank tree. In her diaries she mentioned the
tree which gave it historical value to the area. In 2010 the tree was blown
down in storms, but from the loss came eleven saplings that made their way to
the United States. After a lengthy quarantine period, those saplings were later planted in historically
significant places, including the 9/11 memorial park and two holocaust centers,
which is very fitting for these historically important trees.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZghE5P4nAf5CUQN2hftuAApK4sq30pIOsx0R8dBDknpUNtWYg0mZb7AKb-rouieLxRyJ0441wg3KWXLLWNIg5QOKHlezMdKavBKHHywbeL5XjrMjiQWyrfslr_AD9-20YBAfRQrbTA-SEuCQ-xJfhDyRqcawVa1XXa0V5dcP58yVXdrkLJhBdXMx/s4032/chestnut2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZghE5P4nAf5CUQN2hftuAApK4sq30pIOsx0R8dBDknpUNtWYg0mZb7AKb-rouieLxRyJ0441wg3KWXLLWNIg5QOKHlezMdKavBKHHywbeL5XjrMjiQWyrfslr_AD9-20YBAfRQrbTA-SEuCQ-xJfhDyRqcawVa1XXa0V5dcP58yVXdrkLJhBdXMx/s320/chestnut2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Horse chestnuts may not have the culinary value of sweet
chestnuts, but they certainly have a rich history and value all their own. They
are beautiful landscape trees, and if you are feeling particularly
adventuresome you could try your hand at a game of conkers. <br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /> </p>
<p></p></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-76539869948885597512023-05-08T15:08:00.005-05:002023-05-08T21:12:56.645-05:00Scorpionfly<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPyzEr_gDtQDrNRXLMkl-GOzxIaCGu_yt3xH-mE-Q9aajjA_IYbGW3VG_i4E8QBbiaFUnsyAXKng5lOrOYWpLWounoPaqnoN2IJkm-cR6v4T5xzeiW4k4Zr27lInSTfVk4mnPclFUJ4Gf9d-B7mlC8jFxYWp1N_2Ld7PSPrJkNhBz4xNrhyY5JLtO/s600/scorpionfly.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPyzEr_gDtQDrNRXLMkl-GOzxIaCGu_yt3xH-mE-Q9aajjA_IYbGW3VG_i4E8QBbiaFUnsyAXKng5lOrOYWpLWounoPaqnoN2IJkm-cR6v4T5xzeiW4k4Zr27lInSTfVk4mnPclFUJ4Gf9d-B7mlC8jFxYWp1N_2Ld7PSPrJkNhBz4xNrhyY5JLtO/w400-h245/scorpionfly.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Trunks aren’t just for elephants, there is a unique insect in Missouri called a scorpionfly that has a schnoz any elephant would envy. This appendage contains the chewing mouthparts at the end of it, but why do they need such an exaggerated beak? Maybe it is a thing of beauty in the world of scorpionflies. These insects are not related to scorpions or flies at all, so their name is a bit of a misnomer, as they are in a family of insects all their own. I personally think “elephantfly” would have been a more fitting name. Their name comes from the scorpion-like appendage at the tip of the male’s abdomen. Females lack this appendage, so the appendage is an accurate way to tell males from females. They cannot sting with their scorpion-like tail, nor do they bite, in fact they are completely harmless.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VGsPjHaOJNKi6YJU95HVCvx8HR6mR4tm7CaeMbZFnrYvimK13xufPsZnyABPLr6JuWtzG9tIUCKIUHFigTZVP7yyGQ89da9I8Ej1B9tl10U87B59xS6eouVdzlZJYp3i6GCj3GqMNQq0kI0bddquXpToBTW-O-rm755QwiLkOE0pFE55HiZqNG6z/s1600/borer.jpg" style="clear: left; font-family: times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VGsPjHaOJNKi6YJU95HVCvx8HR6mR4tm7CaeMbZFnrYvimK13xufPsZnyABPLr6JuWtzG9tIUCKIUHFigTZVP7yyGQ89da9I8Ej1B9tl10U87B59xS6eouVdzlZJYp3i6GCj3GqMNQq0kI0bddquXpToBTW-O-rm755QwiLkOE0pFE55HiZqNG6z/s320/borer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Maple callous borer<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Another insect encountered in the same area as the scorpionfly is the maple callous borer. It looks so similar to the scorpionfly, mistaken identity is common. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are fifty-five species of scorpionflies throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. Most have black patterned wings that are held back over their body. They have a short fluttery flight that rarely takes them more than a few feet away at a time, However, they are wary of disturbances, making them incredibly difficult to approach. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5_eJXhiKmkOZWVQ4R9FFjQYsqMYfsx1roKml4dW_JSx_jOFISCfg7Wk39dy-BwVnxLiHTaqyhFXZ1vqyc5fv5GFk6mI0cbtWXBR8cc77N7WUxm-wfVl-ZRbuvveoRVLbTaCq_VpfSrY/s1600/scorpionfly6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5_eJXhiKmkOZWVQ4R9FFjQYsqMYfsx1roKml4dW_JSx_jOFISCfg7Wk39dy-BwVnxLiHTaqyhFXZ1vqyc5fv5GFk6mI0cbtWXBR8cc77N7WUxm-wfVl-ZRbuvveoRVLbTaCq_VpfSrY/w320-h174/scorpionfly6.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The species pictured here is <i>Panorpa nuptialis</i>, they may reach lengths up to one inch or a little more. This particular species is found in South Central United States. They are found from central Missouri southward, and I photographed this one at Truman Lake State Park near the lake on some flowers. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They are omnivores and feed predominantly on insects, which makes them beneficial to humans. They will sometimes feed on pollen or nectar. There has been some indication that they will appear on human carcasses. While this is a deviation from their normal diet, if this option is available to them, they will take advantage of it. These insects may be useful for forensic scientists who investigate murders. As they are only known to appear during the first stages of decomposition. Therefore, the appearance of multiple scorpionflies feeding on a carcass, would indicate the body has not been deceased for very long. Forensic scientists have long used insects to help determine the closest approximate date of death to help investigators in solving crimes.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Scorpionflies have an interesting mating ritual. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8NC_VPNLdri5mqzuyBfHZARQzWRVxgWHaehAe2dKEO98htFK5KAwgvyF32Hpl9A6pqnPJRodXjGIhFIsncOZEI_df0pPY6YR0nvcMvBXGV5JsjfpZz-Cfo-ajGNs3980vGr-sGR5TiSBoZGf6Zuf6WYdk0yUpnVsHEeefgbX1j4U-BcX1Aq5qPkX/s1600/081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8NC_VPNLdri5mqzuyBfHZARQzWRVxgWHaehAe2dKEO98htFK5KAwgvyF32Hpl9A6pqnPJRodXjGIhFIsncOZEI_df0pPY6YR0nvcMvBXGV5JsjfpZz-Cfo-ajGNs3980vGr-sGR5TiSBoZGf6Zuf6WYdk0yUpnVsHEeefgbX1j4U-BcX1Aq5qPkX/w640-h429/081.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Males will typically offer females a nuptial gift in the form of a juicy insect morsel. Males also emit a pheromone from their abdomen. Females are often drawn to the male by the powerful chemical cocktail that he produces or perhaps his gift is what entices her. Most human females appreciate a good smelling man bearing gifts, seems these female scorpionflies do as well. The scorpion-like tail of the male is used as a clasper for mating with females. In some instances, the males are living life on the edge in the mating game. If a female is not receptive to his advances, she may well make a meal of him. Hence the offering of an insect gift, keep her occupied with eating the “chocolates” he so lovingly brought her, and lessen his chances of losing his head in the process.
Mating will occur as the female feeds on her tasty gift. Males will sometimes pose as females in order to "steal" the potential nuptial gift meant for an intended mate. This gives the male a leg up in the mating game. After all, stealing a gift meant for a potential mate, means the rival male has to work harder to replace his gift. </span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6goD_M-yk-ZR6RNVB22lbxmsnBNxO7l8Rg6GUGAFIE1lk1uTbfb8fKW3pR62ZQ23_yE6gCiOLpSnbUFaIcy9FtBmxemEKCsnat5q04Pv4ReyqfMIrO9kt2kcbv-3m5-gb803YFJI96xk/s1600/035.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6goD_M-yk-ZR6RNVB22lbxmsnBNxO7l8Rg6GUGAFIE1lk1uTbfb8fKW3pR62ZQ23_yE6gCiOLpSnbUFaIcy9FtBmxemEKCsnat5q04Pv4ReyqfMIrO9kt2kcbv-3m5-gb803YFJI96xk/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Females lay their eggs in cracks or crevices in the soil. The larvae feed on dead soft-bodied insects. They will emerge as adults sometime in the fall and will be found from September through November. Look for them on low shrubs and ground cover in densely vegetated woodlands, often near water; grasslands; cultivated fields and forest borders. The adults are usually seen resting on leaves in shaded areas less than three feet from the ground.
Adults may emit an offensive odor if disturbed. I personally have never smelled this obnoxious odor, but then again, I’ve never grabbed one. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring is here, and along with the return of warm weather, will also be the return of all those insects. Many people groan at the thought, but I for one am excited at the new discoveries that await me. The diversity in the insect world is as limitless as your imagination.
</span></span></p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-30436067291750653982023-04-30T22:23:00.000-05:002023-04-30T22:23:00.041-05:00Barred Owl<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuyktbk481j5gEeURZRNzZ6hEuDokUo7CtQj3QkELjaLwXYTnmqWb87Lm6qcRUtd7koIH3yD8GpoNB8j6-_qwcffyjUbuZCEbxydfwyewqpmXB5HLTtc246o9BI4o53ujhilYbt5o_rkDjANPXddNZs8J6i33q46aQ6Pd2tW7P1NpFArB4U5nW3Ek/s600/7E9F0106-8136-4882-A28C-6DC9020F3C39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuyktbk481j5gEeURZRNzZ6hEuDokUo7CtQj3QkELjaLwXYTnmqWb87Lm6qcRUtd7koIH3yD8GpoNB8j6-_qwcffyjUbuZCEbxydfwyewqpmXB5HLTtc246o9BI4o53ujhilYbt5o_rkDjANPXddNZs8J6i33q46aQ6Pd2tW7P1NpFArB4U5nW3Ek/w400-h266/7E9F0106-8136-4882-A28C-6DC9020F3C39.jpeg" width="400" /></a></i></div><i>"Who cooks for you….who cooks for you all?”</i> rings
out in the dusky horizon as the barred owl makes his presence known to anyone
who is listening. These large owls are the most vocal of all the owls living in
North America. At least eight known songs, calls and vocalizations are
attributed to this owl, earning it the nickname of Old-eight hooter. Like all
animals there are many colloquial names attributed to them depending upon the
region in which they are found. In the far north they are referred to as Le
Chat-huant Du Nord or the hooting cat of the north. They may also be called the
Northern barred owl, striped owl, hoot owl, or my personal favorite the rain
owl, because of their love of rainy weather and their tendency to call loudly
after a recent rainstorm. Over the past week I have spotted a barred owl
leaving a hollow tree directly in front of our house. We have heard this same
owl and her mate many nights over the past month calling, often so loudly we
are awoken out of deep sleep. I am hopeful that she has chosen this particular
tree to nest and we will soon see a new owl family in our backyard. Because of
these close encounters with the female each time she flees the tree, I was
prompted to write about them this week.
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Easily recognized, the barred owl is slightly smaller
than the great horned owl, and weighs approximately three pounds, with a
wingspan up to thirty nine inches. They are mottled brown or gray and cream
with brown vertical bars on the underparts and down the back and horizontal
bars on the breast. The wings and tail are barred with white and brown. It is
this pattern that earned them the common name of barred owl. They are the only
“typical” owl with dark brown eyes, all other typical owls have yellow eyes.
The only other owl in Missouri with dark eyes is the barn owl and they are classified
in a group all to themselves. Unlike many owls, the barred owl does not have
ear tufts. Instead, their head is smooth and rounded, giving them a rather
chubby appearance. Ear tufts serve no function in hearing, but instead may be
used to give the illusion of a larger silhouette , or in communicating
distress, fear or alertness. There is also some who believe the ear tufts break
up their shapes in a form of camouflage. Like most owls they are nocturnal but
are also known to be active during daylight hours and may be spotted flying or
heard calling at any time during the day. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These owls rely heavily on old growth forests <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZKOvCa3rRFbxFG7y6Z-oYbXl5nNDkv6UfaIfdRcCJz6rpa3UhqVvNJqfeADanbySKjL7rCzWrwpJCZ1uCkm_R8mwD4FWMtwhqkAzcFjTcXuFwvjM1lMqoZUUTZqgyox-eZdARO-EkBoTxaWC7ae4XoPvIi4g9vLd5bgiJNU1_pPWTvC0XazLmLnN/s600/539975_3944236651987_861509279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZKOvCa3rRFbxFG7y6Z-oYbXl5nNDkv6UfaIfdRcCJz6rpa3UhqVvNJqfeADanbySKjL7rCzWrwpJCZ1uCkm_R8mwD4FWMtwhqkAzcFjTcXuFwvjM1lMqoZUUTZqgyox-eZdARO-EkBoTxaWC7ae4XoPvIi4g9vLd5bgiJNU1_pPWTvC0XazLmLnN/s320/539975_3944236651987_861509279_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barred owl eating a rodent<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>with deciduous hardwood trees, evergreens and in some area’s conifers. Increasingly
they have become more synanthropic, adapting well to life near humans. In urban
settings where large trees are available these owls have done well and are
frequently seen roosting in backyards, and parks. They require hollow trees,
broken snags and occasionally the abandoned nests of other animals to create
their own nesting site. From one to three eggs will be laid and incubated by
the female. The male will keep watch over his family and bring food to the
female that she will feed to their offspring. Both parents play an active role
in rearing their young. Like many bird species the parents can be particularly
territorial and protective of their offspring and will vocalize their
displeasure at your presence, or even attack when sufficiently provoked. One
such barred owl lived in Salem, OR. This owl frequently attacked joggers at a
local park when they would jog near the nest site. The attacks often left talon
marks or gashes in people’s heads. This earned the owl a nickname of Owlcapone.
Best to give nesting birds their space…especially birds large enough to hurt
us. At approximately six weeks the young will begin taking short flights from
the nest to nearby branches where they will call incessantly begging for food
from the parents in an activity called branching. The parents are kept busy
playing hunt and seek as they locate each begging baby to feed it. At ten to
twelve weeks of age the owlets will graduate to fledglings and begin flying and
are capable of hunting and caring for themselves. They usually stay close to
their siblings for many months before finally finding mates for themselves and
raising their own families. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Ee7UMSvj2JWp9d23sEjubbXy6FM3GVjpe8-i6HLBTpz9HpwOw1uCXlNBQYvxU4XrBj9w3rDDELQn1vtG3D6lMgcT48WCFupkiiyrWqtuj89MPUGuSW1b9wfmqVzxSOAzrERSj_cZACj2N1d9tB9-MC9cQeYwQRriHl8OU36Ugo-6cxsqSMepN2n/s600/250975_4016597020951_807305968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Ee7UMSvj2JWp9d23sEjubbXy6FM3GVjpe8-i6HLBTpz9HpwOw1uCXlNBQYvxU4XrBj9w3rDDELQn1vtG3D6lMgcT48WCFupkiiyrWqtuj89MPUGuSW1b9wfmqVzxSOAzrERSj_cZACj2N1d9tB9-MC9cQeYwQRriHl8OU36Ugo-6cxsqSMepN2n/s320/250975_4016597020951_807305968_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Barred owls are found throughout most of North America,
with three subspecies. The Northern barred owl is located in the Eastern United
States, and the pacific Northwest, the Texas barred owl, is found in Texas and
the Florida, or Southern barred owl is found the Southern United States.
Historically the barred owl was absent from the Pacific Northwest, but with the
expansion of forests throughout the Great Plains along the Missouri River and
its tributaries it has allowed the barred owl to expand its range. Finding
sufficient foraging habitat, protection from weather and concealment from
predators gave them all the advantages they need to head westward into new
territories. The increase in forested areas is due to the suppression of
wildfires by the European-American settlers and the ceasing of controlled fires
traditionally set by Native Americans, plus an increase in the planting of
trees. The barred owl’s expansion into Oregon and Washington has created a
direct threat to the threatened spotted owl. Barred owls are larger, more
gregarious by comparison and compete for food, nesting locations and
territories. The smaller spotted owl cannot compete with this new interloper.
Many biologists are beginning to recommend culling the barred owl to allow for
the spotted owl population to rebound. Another threat facing the spotted owl
due to the barred owl is their ability to hybridize. Both owls are closely
related and can crossbreed, thus creating a whole new set of issues for the
spotted owl population.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq6VyDuidTtT6TlZPVKxK_MtVozuW5nn7OFGvkS6ACcys0jNW6N2xQ6vJckP_pZL9J0CF_5bycOMq_J-PqCoA7ZvpMejQIqXfwzHot6EDsLCdv7VQ-uRDGTHySn8B3E5U0LhsI632teVc0x4oft0GfShWP4CTmHB4sOx39Ygh9K-3C8cFbS206vtH/s600/250975_4016597060952_1784158862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq6VyDuidTtT6TlZPVKxK_MtVozuW5nn7OFGvkS6ACcys0jNW6N2xQ6vJckP_pZL9J0CF_5bycOMq_J-PqCoA7ZvpMejQIqXfwzHot6EDsLCdv7VQ-uRDGTHySn8B3E5U0LhsI632teVc0x4oft0GfShWP4CTmHB4sOx39Ygh9K-3C8cFbS206vtH/s320/250975_4016597060952_1784158862_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The diet of the barred owl is highly variable with
rodents such as voles and mice making up the majority of what it eats. They may
also eat reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and even fish. Many fishermen
have reported seeing barred owls roosting and hunting from docks. At least five
species of fish have been found in dissected owl pellets including bullhead and
bass. They will wade into the shallows of a stream, creek, small river or lake
and capture fish and even crayfish. The crayfish eating barred owls often have
pink-tinged feathers under their wings. This is caused by the keratin in the
crayfishes exoskeleton, much like the flamingo turns pink because of the shrimp
it consumes. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are all familiar with the story of Harriet Tubman and
the underground railroad, but what many may not know is she was an avid
naturalist and had a deep connection to the natural world. She was known to
have used the call of the barred owl to communicate to individuals seeking
freedom on the railroad when it was safe to come out of hiding. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5SeKAa8EbCVxQ-tNpSilc21mg4agP5AwdkEL2yJpRKKtiB6YVzXnYukV2VgJ3eazIdJl6TaNBzOepucXqXXBOMiN3HbGf-_YBc2aNeiJgWFc4mmvJhEkXaavtgTUUNK8rbfB71lN897mWYLaMGI8R7HMFdjGAITiVUCXbqJHS_YSg1NVQxYE2NbJ/s960/521854_10200414606835375_802809595_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5SeKAa8EbCVxQ-tNpSilc21mg4agP5AwdkEL2yJpRKKtiB6YVzXnYukV2VgJ3eazIdJl6TaNBzOepucXqXXBOMiN3HbGf-_YBc2aNeiJgWFc4mmvJhEkXaavtgTUUNK8rbfB71lN897mWYLaMGI8R7HMFdjGAITiVUCXbqJHS_YSg1NVQxYE2NbJ/s320/521854_10200414606835375_802809595_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Several years ago I received a call from a lady I know who said she had an owl stuck in her chimney. It had been there for many hours and did not seem to know how to climb back out and sitting just above the damper clinging to the bricks. At the time I was working at the Conservation Department as a naturalist and after checking with the agents they said it was fine for me to go try and help. I showed up with my daughter to help me and we set to work to try and free this very scared owl from his current predicament. After opening the damper and looking up into the shaft I could see the owl holding on for what appeared dear life. When he spotted a face looking up at him, he was even less encouraged to come down. We debated as to the best way to proceed and finally it was decided to use a telescoping rod to dislodge his feet and hopefully get him to drop onto the soft pads we had put down in the bottom of the fireplace. After several attempts we were successful and he landed with an undignified plop. Free of the chimney we now had to get him out of the house without causing injury to him or destruction to the house. Suddenly he came to his senses and took off flying right for my friends head and she hit the floor with a scream. It was total chaos for several minutes before he spotted the light coming in through the front door. He flew to the door, but was hesitant to fly outside. After some gentle coaxing he finally realized he was free to fly and with those large wings he lifted off and flew out the front door as if he always did these sort of things. Parked in front of the house were two men
working on their car. The look on their faces as they witnessed this
large raptor fly out of my friends house was priceless. It was an
unforgettable experience to say the least. <br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyHgJad2YsF-ni630tOI9CHUPdckgVSvo_CS8oPxrTWkInZj6oL1dyHghOlbERdrgC5dU2YDNV5ugkTrMm69_ZacLnYcrx-hHHGYwofrykZmH1hYSj7VFpLiDyCTMQy8pxHqBegz6LiYDVQlPlIn3oTC77-Mff1lx9uDyEfg33LxLy-spbxTwnnr9/s960/59764_10200414611875501_851221365_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyHgJad2YsF-ni630tOI9CHUPdckgVSvo_CS8oPxrTWkInZj6oL1dyHghOlbERdrgC5dU2YDNV5ugkTrMm69_ZacLnYcrx-hHHGYwofrykZmH1hYSj7VFpLiDyCTMQy8pxHqBegz6LiYDVQlPlIn3oTC77-Mff1lx9uDyEfg33LxLy-spbxTwnnr9/s320/59764_10200414611875501_851221365_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwDbUUw4YMCt0zuiHxvzwnfFu2qy2f5tm4gHat-bvl-rYfksfHnrihMWeie7OJaWkjDEHChRj6jEbR2GlApupbwC5DfVJJ_khdvLNTRt8hxnY7Jjvb2WDpkv4SRqhQXK_N1FhdtZzUC1GLedywZaNpe--5tyAz_lz6C63aMHxlaC8H7_fR4r6we6h/s960/487766_10200414609995454_963111899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwDbUUw4YMCt0zuiHxvzwnfFu2qy2f5tm4gHat-bvl-rYfksfHnrihMWeie7OJaWkjDEHChRj6jEbR2GlApupbwC5DfVJJ_khdvLNTRt8hxnY7Jjvb2WDpkv4SRqhQXK_N1FhdtZzUC1GLedywZaNpe--5tyAz_lz6C63aMHxlaC8H7_fR4r6we6h/s320/487766_10200414609995454_963111899_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPyuxs3mdkayfC2ajA-Rmvl4BtS0BfXsMB-whGjzY5kzqY4ZsLgaDqQ9Ssywmd0C4N4YDvdZKjpdCcBz8auZLQgkbHgbxMD6jaJl-Rk-lANLA7AOKnVlNTLobtRSHOdSIYnOjCOi4a3ThIL6vx2xXX1stq020iWGnt0n431NB91Wh_X_3oGgCE81P/s960/551471_10200414613275536_239776768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPyuxs3mdkayfC2ajA-Rmvl4BtS0BfXsMB-whGjzY5kzqY4ZsLgaDqQ9Ssywmd0C4N4YDvdZKjpdCcBz8auZLQgkbHgbxMD6jaJl-Rk-lANLA7AOKnVlNTLobtRSHOdSIYnOjCOi4a3ThIL6vx2xXX1stq020iWGnt0n431NB91Wh_X_3oGgCE81P/s320/551471_10200414613275536_239776768_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0v0-ufIPkHzyeEnZhdJxDb7e3Kg-JWkzP5_JewiXE3B1PDS1i3vYf1Y7k4Yf-XJHUrVyYCM4jujnBH_DFMsZiZXXusZ4COgdflwzR6yMiaB_K_XPQR2z94JTAheTsImyKNVatvNMRTVbm36rbTY35LHtlDzsYPPyvDcvo1xR0YtLPV4pWidADZC0/s762/24312_10200414614675571_507229784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0v0-ufIPkHzyeEnZhdJxDb7e3Kg-JWkzP5_JewiXE3B1PDS1i3vYf1Y7k4Yf-XJHUrVyYCM4jujnBH_DFMsZiZXXusZ4COgdflwzR6yMiaB_K_XPQR2z94JTAheTsImyKNVatvNMRTVbm36rbTY35LHtlDzsYPPyvDcvo1xR0YtLPV4pWidADZC0/s320/24312_10200414614675571_507229784_n.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3DscE2yfPWBzlSe-1_7rzf3KaIl9TzGFdg9TnTjquwhf_Jhqgk2tr8UOn_WD5EY6eqZ5Z1dyXjAapb7k_WXBjbYOxDbDgblWYc5syv2ez4QjrbfVyj-LGxCtDC_DagfhjRwDP23Oi1u1HJRQDrXmUTwVXA4MgbMNZoSGuXa0YfKRKhURrWiHzxvJ/s866/64832_10200414616115607_1019668127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="704" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3DscE2yfPWBzlSe-1_7rzf3KaIl9TzGFdg9TnTjquwhf_Jhqgk2tr8UOn_WD5EY6eqZ5Z1dyXjAapb7k_WXBjbYOxDbDgblWYc5syv2ez4QjrbfVyj-LGxCtDC_DagfhjRwDP23Oi1u1HJRQDrXmUTwVXA4MgbMNZoSGuXa0YfKRKhURrWiHzxvJ/s320/64832_10200414616115607_1019668127_n.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Babies have been fledgings in recent weeks to start their own lives in new territories and the song of the barred
owl will continue to ring out <i>“Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” </i></p>
<p></p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013316887660017880.post-62623499077280955952023-04-23T17:16:00.010-05:002023-04-23T17:21:21.257-05:00Dickcissel---the poster bird of the prairie<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhClYCscvhUmbnsfZBRI2nrtUbeolf8Qw0EslB8qHBG-7DLm-OGxGq2ItAaU7Z_pCdMlGzhhbo74bZqcjHdBub8SD-t7UAcrR5dAzCEc2vomoTflZa-lAmQM9evibG5NeB6albVtDRsM/s1600/dickcissel09res.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhClYCscvhUmbnsfZBRI2nrtUbeolf8Qw0EslB8qHBG-7DLm-OGxGq2ItAaU7Z_pCdMlGzhhbo74bZqcjHdBub8SD-t7UAcrR5dAzCEc2vomoTflZa-lAmQM9evibG5NeB6albVtDRsM/w400-h210/dickcissel09res.jpg" width="400" /></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Several years ago, I was invited to
attend a bioblitz in southern Missouri on one of the few prairies remaining in
our state. For those that do not know what a bio blitz is; it is an annual
event usually hosted by environmental-minded groups to inventory the plant and
animal life found on a prairie or other natural area. For this particular blitz
I was there as the “expert” entomologist. I am far from an expert, but I am not
one to turn down an opportunity to hang out with a group of like-minded people
with something to teach me. The prairie is a wonderous place with so much diversity
in plant, bird, and insect life. One of first things I began to notice were
these beautiful birds perched on fence posts in various spots around the
prairie. They resembled meadowlarks but were much smaller. They were too
colorful and big to be sparrows and since I had never seen one before I wasn’t
sure what they were. Soon I had an ID from one of the bird experts in
attendance. </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This beautiful little bird was a
Dickcissel, originally, they were referred to as black throated buntings. Scientists
have had an exceedingly difficult time classifying these birds and they have undergone
several classifications over the years before finally landing in their current
group classification of </span><span class="lrzxr" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cardenolide</span></i></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">. Males are very colorful and somewhat resemble meadowlarks with their
black collar and yellow breast. Females on the other hand are muted in
coloration by comparison and look more like sparrows. Both sexes have a
yellow line above their eye, a rusty patch on their wings and a light-colored
conical bill that very much resembles the bill on a cardinal. Which is one of
the reasons they are currently classified in the same family group as
cardinals. Although as more information is learned about them, this could
likely change. The dickcissel gets its name from the call they make while in
flight. It can vary some in the syllables as well as the intensity, but it
usually goes something like this “dick-dick-dickcissel-cissel.” This unmistakable
call helps ornithologist identify them during nighttime migration events and allows
for monitoring of population densities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaBerC3kfWBpKHqyIPeTKBZoz5JXRbOflP_e0bZbot_7Dr7dPxwO_DOV19_eToUhnn2Qci4IUME4ENPjgbRTiCcj56vrweUS1WF0cGrHtM0vUD-Q1Tr8vqyzMmtgBSUNtc7fzv2iwhvg/s1600/dickcissel3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaBerC3kfWBpKHqyIPeTKBZoz5JXRbOflP_e0bZbot_7Dr7dPxwO_DOV19_eToUhnn2Qci4IUME4ENPjgbRTiCcj56vrweUS1WF0cGrHtM0vUD-Q1Tr8vqyzMmtgBSUNtc7fzv2iwhvg/s1600/dickcissel3.jpg" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">They are a common sight throughout the
Midwest during the late spring and summer months. These birds migrate back into
the United States late in May or early June, which is much later than most
birds returning to their breeding grounds. Dickcissels nest near the ground and
typically build their nests in grassy meadows, prairies, or other tall grass
areas. Males may have as many as six mates, although two or three is typical. Males
will vigorously guard their territory from rival males. While the males are
busy puffing out their chest and chasing off the competition, the females are looking
for suitable sites to build their nest and lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch
the female will rear them to full fledglings on her own. After the young leave
the nest, they go their separate ways. Unlike many bird species that mate for
life, the dickcissel is a polygamist and will have multiple mates and a whole
new set of mates the following year. Young bachelor males often do not get the
chance to mate, but they will have the opportunity next season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In their winter range they may be a
pest to grain farmers because of their habit of forming large flocks and
feeding on the grain seeds. Early in fall these birds begin forming loose
flocks that gradually grow in number by mid to late fall. It is common for a
flock heading south to contain millions of birds. It is this tendency to
congregate in such large flocks that causes so much trouble for grain farmers
in their overwintering sites. They head south to Southern Mexico, Central
America and Northern South America where Venezuela is especially plagued with
these birds and have traditionally used poisons and other methods of ridding
themselves of these birds. Fortunately, various bird groups and other
environmental groups have done an excellent job of educating farmers in these areas
on other methods to scare of a hungry flock of these birds. In the Midwest
breeding grounds, dickcissels face several additional threats: cowbird
parasitism, the destruction of nests and nestlings by mowing machines, and loss
of habitat due to changing agricultural practices and succession. Additionally,
the use of pesticides kills off the insect population they depend on while rearing
young. With the increase in wind turbines, we are also seeing an increase in
deaths during migration events when birds fly too close to the spinning blades.
The wintering population of these birds can become highly concentrated at
certain favored roosting sites. A single "successful" poisoning event
of a large flock of roosting birds could significantly reduce the world
population of dickcissel. Currently the estimated population is at twenty-seven
million, which sounds like a lot of dickcissels, but we all known how quickly
that can change…. just think about the Carolina parakeet or the passenger
pigeon that historically numbered in the millions and are now extinct. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Formerly common in farming regions of
the eastern states, especially on the Atlantic coastal plain, the dickcissel
disappeared from that region by the middle of the last century and is now most
numerous in the Midwest. It appears in small numbers on the East Coast during
the fall migration and on occasion will visit winter feeding stations, often
with house sparrows. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mxcdbyMUB82QA3Q2x2uqmQwoXZAD54Q3KHQqUYK0lzP3ecBm56XSL5kub25dCXTCPjxwin8TeMWrszV-R87amBI2U4am_AZbMpab9itlStnaJVsrw-BY_8bOGCWHFMxkz9BfEsESQaA/s1600/dickcissel54res.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mxcdbyMUB82QA3Q2x2uqmQwoXZAD54Q3KHQqUYK0lzP3ecBm56XSL5kub25dCXTCPjxwin8TeMWrszV-R87amBI2U4am_AZbMpab9itlStnaJVsrw-BY_8bOGCWHFMxkz9BfEsESQaA/w400-h247/dickcissel54res.jpg" width="400" /></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Since my initial introduction to the
dickcissel on the prairie that weekend in southern Missouri, I have become more
cognizant of the species around me and frequently notice the dickcissel on our
farm. They are always a welcome sight in the summer as they sit on the fence
posts singing “dick-dick-dickcissel-cissel.”</span></span></p>
<p></p>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0