Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District May 18, 2012 With all the dire warnings emanating from Chicago regarding the NATO Summit, the Windy City is the last place I’d want to find myself this weekend. The media have been telling
Giant Killer Moth, Insect, Moth
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Fall is in full swing these days, with animals everywhere getting ready for the winter that lies ahead. Birds are migrating; mammals are storing fat and/or food—I personally can vouch for that one. And the hornworms
Caterpillars, Hornworm, Moth
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District Fall is in full swing these days, with animals everywhere getting ready for the winter that lies ahead. Birds are migrating; mammals are storing fat and/or food—I personally can vouch for that one. And the hornworms
Caterpillars, Hornworm, Moth
“What is that?” Here in the naturalist department, it’s a phrase that’s repeated often. And, I’ve got to admit, it’s one I love to hear. Over the last few months, we’ve answered questions about and helped identify ticks (American dog as well as deer); skulls (mostly raccoon, with the occasional opossum and coyote); birds (Cooper’s
Clearwings, Insect, Moth
I ran into a gypsy again the other day, and I wasn’t happy about it. Don’t get me wrong—human gypsies seem pretty cool, and I really wouldn’t mind meeting one of them. The gypsy I’m talking about, though, is Lymantria dispar, the gypsy moth, an imported insect with a penchant for feasting on forests. I
Gypsy, Insect, Moth
Seeing as it’s June, the most popular month for weddings, it only seems fitting that we talk about…underwing moths. I’m sure you’re probably thinking, “Moths? Eww. Aren’t they the critters that eat my wool sweaters and hatch out of my birdseed?” Well, yes, but that’s a topic for a whole different column. Many other fine
Bug, Insect, Moth, Underwings