A newly emerged male polyphemus moth rests after his recent emergence from his home of seven months, the cocoon on the right.
Polyphemus Cocoon Part One
Ugly Ducklings?
A handsome hover fly, which developed from a larva known as a rat-tailed maggot (or ‘mousie’ to ice fisher-people; see inset) pauses on top of a flower. Inset photo courtesy of Kim Haag; hover fly photo courtesy of Heather Broccard-Bell. May 24, 2024 As a little kid, I was really lucky. I had parents who
Eastern Phoebes
Eastern phoebes show a preference for nesting in sheltered locations. They’ll also refurbish and reuse their nests, often returning to the same site year after…
Periodical Cicadas Pt. 3
In preparation for the performance of its life, a periodical cicada emerges from its nymphal exoskeleton. The dark spots behind the eyes are clusters of…
Periodical Cicadas Pt. 2
Cicadas are clumsy flyers that travel only short distances. To figure out whether you should expect Brood XIII periodical cicadas in your neighborhood this year,…
Periodical Cicadas
Periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge throughout northern Illinois in just a few weeks. But will their appearance live up to all the hype? Photo…
Red Admiral Butterflies
Its wings angled toward the afternoon sun, a red admiral soaks up some warming rays at Delnor Woods Park in St. Charles.
Sapsucker Ecology
As a female yellow-bellied sapsucker methodically drills her sapwells, two flies (left) arrive to inspect her progress and, soon, partake of a sweet treat.
Schreckstoff
Danger, yellow bullheads! Danger! The schreckstoff, or ‘scary stuff’ present in the skin cells of the fish in this heron’s bill likely saved other bullheads…
Ferson Creek Fen Bunnies
On a sunny day in April 2014, persons unknown left this box of bunnies at Ferson Creek Fen in St. Charles. Photo courtesy of Tim…