Bombarded by Bugs

Field Observations:

August 19, 2013

Walking into my prairie today I couldn't help but wonder, where has summer gone?  Perhaps this is a reflection of my mindset as this session of classes come to an end, but I think there are greater forces at work.   It was a sunny day with temperatures barely creeping into the eighties, which for some would mean the epitome of the summer season.  I however could only see the change happening all around me.  The Gray-headed Coneflower which had so beautifully covered the landscape with its yellow drooping petals had shed its skirt of color, leaving only its brown center to dot the prairie.  Below foot I could feel the crisp crunch of plant life that had dried out for the season, preparing itself to overwinter.  

Looking across the prairie I had the sudden realization that something was missing, which I had not noticed in my previous visit.  The Cabbage White butterflies, which were so prolific when I first began visiting the prairie, were no longer present.  One lone Cabbage White fluttered along the tree line, a small speck of white in what seemed to be a sea of yellow.  Even the grass that was going to seed around me seemed to be following suit in maintaining this color theme.  

As in all trends that are set, there has to be the individual who breaks the mold, and my prairie was no exception.  Within this world of all things yellow, I happened to hear the whispered promise of the presence of blue.  The Indigo Bunting, perched in the shrubs, questioned the status quo here.  Although his call of "Fire fire, here here, where where, see it see it" may be seen as a continuation of this monochromatic scene, I knew his true colors, even if he remained hidden.   

Species Identification:

Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) 

This almost mustard colored beetle can easily be distinguished the two black oval spots that adorn its outer wings, and a single spot on its pronotum. The extended abdomen of this species is yellow and black striped.  Atop its head are very long antennae.   The length of this beetle is 9-12 mm.

It is no surprise that I have not encountered this beetle until now seeing as they are found in their adult stage from August until September.  The adult lays their eggs in soil or leaf litter.  Early in the spring pupation will occur.

Another common name for this beetle is the Goldenrod Leatherwing. Its almost leathery color may be partial explanation for this name, but its habitat being one where goldenrod is located also explains its name.  Although this particular organism was not found on a goldenrod plant it is known to feed on the pollen and nectar of other plants as well.  

"Species Chauliognathus pensylvanicus."BugGuide. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2013. <bugguide.net/node/view/438>.

Male

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) 

This species is a member of a family that gains its name from the distinctive tails on the lower portion of its wings.  The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has a wing span of 2 1/2 -4 1/2 inches.  The name most likely comes from the fact that this butterfly is yellow with black tiger stripes.   The female can be distinguished from the male by the presence of an iridescent blue along the lower edges of the interior hind wings.  A black version of the female also exists.

Female 

The host plant of this species can be wild, cherry, sweet bay, basswood, tulip tree, birch, ash, cottonwood, or willow.  Nearby forests    most likely provide this area for adult butterflies to lay their eggs.  The chrysalids of this species will overwinter.  The adult will feed from a variety of flower's nectar although favorites may include Milkweed and Joe-pye Weed.  Although the latter has not been identified in my prairie the presence of the first in this prairie along with the many other flowering plants make it a suitable habitat.  

"Attributes of Papilio glaucus ." Butterflies and Moths of North America. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2013. <www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-glaucus>.

European Mantid (Mantis religisoa) 

This large insect has a length of 50-75 mm, which includes its wing length.  The slight presence of a black dot on its arms made me believe it was a member of this particular species.  The name of this species roughly translates to "religious" which most likely refers to the organisms tendency to clasp its forelegs together looking much like it is praying.

This species is widespread across the United States.  Gardens and agricultural areas make a great habitat for mantis since it is sunny and contains plenty of insects to serve as a food source.  They like to live in areas with shrubbery or herbaceous plants therefor the prairie would definitely fall into this category.  Any insect that is out during the day is a prime target to become a meal.  

"Praying Mantis - Mantis religiosa - Overview - Encyclopedia of Life."Encyclopedia of Life - Animals - Plants - Pictures & Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2013. <http://eol.org/pages/487055/overview>.

Aphids (Aphididae Uroleucon)

These tiny insects are well known by many farmers since they are considered a common pesk problem.  With their ability to reproduce asexually they can increase in numbers fairly quickly forming a huge colony that is feeding on the plants.  This particular group can be recognized by its red bodies.  They are known to feed on plant species in the aster family which includes the Cup Plant leaf that they can be seen on in this picture.  Other members of the Asteraceae include the Black-eyed Susan, Yarrow, and Gray-headed Coneflower that are all found in this particular prairie meaning lots of potential food sources are present here.  

"Genus Uroleucon." BugGuide. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2013. <bugguide.net/node/view/111222>.

A Second to Consider Climate Change:

Global climate change has become a hot button topic that many people are concerned about.  Within the scientific community much research is being done to determine what change might look like across a large scale, and more in-depth research is being done in other areas as to how this change will affect particular organisms and unique balances nature has created.  It is projected that the global climate change will mean an overall increase in temperature as well as increased precipitation during particular periods followed by times of drought.  

The question then becomes, what could that mean for this particular prairie.  As I have discovered in my previous studies many of the prairie plants rely on their production of seeds to further their species.  These seeds are designed to overwinter before they are then ready to germinate.  If overall temperatures during the winter drop then these seeds may not go through this necessary process meaning they would no longer be viable. 

Prairie plants are well adapted to deal with dry conditions that may come with droughts, but the change in rainfall may become a potential problem.  If increased rain creates more wet conditions other species may be able to out-compete those found in the prairie currently.  In general changing conditions will mean this change in where plants are able to survive which could change the makeup of plant life in areas also affecting the other life that is reliant on these plants.  

"Midwest | Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States 2009 Report." Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States 2009 Report | U.S. Global Change Research Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Aug. 2013. <http://nca2009.globalchange.gov/midwest>.

Creative Contribution:

In Full Bloom: 

A Photographic Series by Allison Broomhall

What Goes Bump in the Night?

Field Observations:

August 12, 2013

It was a cool evening as I headed out to the prairie this week.  Other obligations had made it impossible to visit my ecosystem at my normal time so I decided to make the best out of the situation and try to look on the bright side.  With the temperatures dropping as dusk settled in, I put on my rain boots ready for the dew that might be accumulating on the plants.  Over the past several weeks I had visited my prairie in the early hours of the morning, in the mid-morning coolness, during the hot hours of the afternoon, and even towards the evening, but tonight would be the first time I would stay in my prairie as darkness settled in.  

I began exploring as I waited for the sun to slowly set.  It didn't surprise me that in these last minutes before dark that the birds were incredibly active.  It was almost like visiting my old friends as I heard the Common Yellowthroat chatter away and watched the Tree Swallows as they filled their bellies with their last meal of insects for the day.  I happened to hear the soft "mew" of a Gray Catbird hanging out in the trees that separate the prairie from the swamp.  It was in this direction that the "jug-a-rum" of a Bullfrog could also be heard.  Although the birds were quite lively, it surprised me that the insects seemed to have already settled in for the night.  The all too familiar buzz of life was not present. Instead I noticed that quite a few bees were hanging out on the underside of flowers or leaves.  

It was at this time that I started to recognize the rumbling of thunder in the distance.  Perhaps my insect friends would normally still be active, but on this night they were just preparing for the storm that was rolling in.  I was slightly worried that the ensuing storm was going to rain on my plans, but with a bit of persistence I realized luck would be on my side.  Darkness had wrapped itself around the prairie and a whole new rhythm of life began to unfold.  The Tree Swallows were replaced by their nocturnal counterparts, a different set of insects flashed their presence throughout the flowers, and a call from the other side of the prairie signaled to me that night was finally here.  Enthralled with the masked family I had just met, and slightly spooked by the eerie calls of the Coyotes in the distance I decided that it was time to pack it up for the night.  By this time the lightning was dancing across the sky, and I made it home just in time for the gust of winds to come sweeping in, bringing with them the glory of a true summer storm.  

Species Identification:

Firefly (Lampyridae)

This flying beetle is a nocturnal member of the Lampyridae family.  The fact that they are winged distinguishes from their other family members which are commonly referred to as glowworms.  This insect is a familiar sight on summer evenings as they make themselves quite noticeable with their bioluminescence.  The warmth of the summer days is necessary for their survival as well as a moisture, which explains why they so love our humid region.  As a larvae this insect feeds on worms and slugs, but in its adult form it will feed on the nectar and pollen of the many flowering plants that can be found in the prairies.

The flashing of this insect which is the reason for its name has a very good purpose.  Its flashing patterns can allow it to attract mates, and can also serve as a defense mechanism, warning predators that they are not very appetizing.  The firefly is able to produce light because of a specific organ within their abdomen.  When the insect takes in oxygen it is combined with luciferin to produce light with almost no heat.

Fireflies (Lightning Bugs), Firefly (Lightning Bug) Pictures, Firefly (Lightning Bug) Facts - National Geographic. (n.d.).Animals - Animal Pictures - Wild Animal Facts - Nat Geo Wild - National Geographic. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/firefly/

Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

This nocturnal mammal is easily recognized by the black mask covering its face and its ringed tail.  It can weigh anywhere form 4 to 23 pounds and its length ranges from 24 to 38 inches.  A more well-known mammal because of its ability to adapt to a variety of habitats including well-populated areas this animal can also be found in a variety of habitats such as prairie, marshes and forrests.  Being an omnivore this animal will eat almost anything they can get their hands on.  Although their quick reflexes may mean they can glean some tasty treats from the water such as crayfish and frogs, they will also eat mice, insects, fruits and vegetables.  Their long fingers and quite dexterous paws definitely aid them in catching their food.

Raccoon's denning sites can vary from a house's attic to a fallen log or tree hole.  The female gives birth to up to seven cubs who stay in this protected area for the first two months of their lives before they begin exploring.  The small family of three raccoons I discovered are probably just now beginning to investigate their surroundings on their own.  The average life span for this mammal is only 2-3 years.

Raccoons, Raccoon Pictures, Raccoon Facts - National Geographic. (n.d.).Animals - Animal Pictures - Wild Animal Facts - Nat Geo Wild - National Geographic. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals

Photo Credit:Kentucky Bat Working Group

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

The Big Brown Bat is the largest nat found in this area reaching lengths of 5 inches and having a wingspan of 13 inches.  Their body is covered with a brown fur that is paler below, but their is no hair on their wings.  Since this mammal is able to fly it must be lightweight.  This particular species weighs around half an ounce.  This more common bat is found all over probably due to its ability to live in a variety of areas such as forests, cities, parks and farms.  A critical need for this animal is a place to roost, but a plethora of sites have been utilized.  With the nearby barn or the forested areas there would be plenty of places for this species to roost.

The prairie with all of its insect life makes for a great feeding ground for the bat.  They tend to catch their prey while flying which explains why they eat beetles, moths, wasps, flies, stick bugs, dragonflies and many other insects.  Being a nocturnal animal it is no surprise that it does not rely on sight to find its food.  Instead the bat uses echolocation, or a series of high-pitch sounds that bounce of objects and return to the bat allowing them to determine where things are.  Once a bat has located an insect it will catch it within its wings similar to the idea of using a net. 

Big Brown Bat . (n.d.). Kentucky Bat Working Group . Retrieved August 12, 2013, from biology.eku.edu/bats/bigbrownbat.html

Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)

The stand of trees near the prairie makes it possible for this species to call this area their home since they must have a tree cavity to nest in.  This small owl's diet includes a variety of invertebrates, small mammals, and birds which can all be found within the prairie.  Being a nocturnal animal they are most active at night, but they often hunt during the dawn and dusk hours.  When hunting these birds will place themselves on a perch around ten feet off the ground that they can then dive off of when their prey is detected.

Pairs of these owls are usually monogamous although occasionally there will be two females and one male.  Like most birds of prey the female is often larger than the male.  This short stocky bird appears to have no neck, but atop its hear are two pointed ear tufts.  There are two color patterns in the bird, one being the gray phase and the other the rufous.  Each color has a complex pattern of bands and spots that provide the bird with excellent camouflage.  Although it is very difficult to spot these birds their presence is often known from their distinct trilling or whinnying song.

Eastern Screech-Owl, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology . (n.d.). Your online guide to birds and bird watching . Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/eastern_screech-owl/id

A Second to Consider Invasive and Non-native Species:

When studying an ecosystem it is important to know what is expected to be found there.  A common concern when talking about an area is what invasive or non-native species to look for.  These species are ones that in the past are not known to have been there.  Usually they have come to be present in an area by the intervention of humans, whether this was accidental or on purpose.  The difference between an invasive and a non-native species is determined by the affect that species presence has on the surrounding life.  If by being there a species is outcompeting a native species and making their survival difficult then it is considered to be invasive.  There can be varying opinions among experts as to what species qualify as invasive versus non-native.

With regards to the prairie that I am studying several of the species I have previously identified fall into these two categories.  An example of a non-native species would be the Queen Anne's Lace.  This species can be found scattered along the edges of the prairie.  In these disturbed areas it is able to make a good living, but it is not able to out-compete the other plants.  Within the prairie where much taller plants are present this species that needs more direct sunlight is not found.  Two examples of species that would be considered invasive within this prairie are the Yellow Sweet Clover and Bull Thistle.  Because of the use of prescribed burns these species are not able to get a good foothold and overtake portions of the prairie.

INPAWS : Threat of Invasive Plants. (n.d.). INPAWS : Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society. Retrieved August 14, 2013, from http://www.inpaws.org/biodiversity/threat-of-invasive-plants/

Creative Contribution:

By: Allison Broomhall

If You Only Look

Field Observations

August 4, 2013

It was an absolutely gorgeous day as I headed out to the prairie to make my observations for this week. The skies were a brilliant blue with the occasional white fluffy cloud, and with temperatures in the mid-seventies it was neither too hot or too cold(even for me.) With bug net in hand I set out, excited for all I would potentially find.  I find it funny that each day I have a potential course of action in mind of what I will explore and the things I might find, but nature is always quick to change this for me.  This week was no exception.

Ready to catch bugs and extend on what we had learned in class I was quickly distracted by the birds.  The swallows, that I am fairly convinced are Tree Swallows because of their white undersides, were performing their beautiful aerial acrobatics.  I couldn't help but hear the now familiar "witchety-witchety-witchety" of the Common Yellowthroat, but what truly caught my attention was a new visitor to my ecosystem, the Turkey Vulture.  These huge birds with their distinctive "V" in their wings were oh so gracefully riding on the air thermals.  Their presence was a reminder that this prairie, that was overflowing with life, is also a place where death is also present.  Briefly I considered trekking to the other side of the prairie where they were circling to see if I could stumble across the unfortunate carcass, but even if the Turkey Vultures would have stayed there were so many other things that caught my eye on this day that I am sure I would have never made it that far.

I am completely convinced at this point in time that the more you know, the more you are able to see.  I amazed myself as my eyes darted everywhere, constantly settling on things I knew.   The Big Bluestem caught my eye as it had changed since last week.  As I gazed up at it on this day I couldn't help but notice the seeds ready for dispersal.  Further in the prairie I was surprised to find a patch of purple, where it seems the wind had been kinder to the Bee Balm, leaving its petals intact.  Cabbage Whites, Bumblebees, and Honeybees all flitted from the flowers with lots of pollen loading some of them down.  I was proud of myself for recognizing the Spider-wasp with its black body, and bright yellow-orange antennas.  Going further into the prairie than any other time I was surprised when I stumbled across some bright orange Butterfly Weed.  All this time as I was exploring a Common Yellowthroat was following me around, never getting close enough for me to capture his image on my camera, but he was certainly not secretive in his calls.  The Panicled Tick Trefoil takes the prize for the day for making its presence known.  By the time I made it to the edge of the prairie hundreds of little hitch-hiker seeds had attached themselves to me, making for a frustrating experience at home where I had to try and pick off all the persistent things.

Like the weeks before there were many new discoveries this week, and some mysteries left to solve in weeks to come.  Below are some of the treasures that unfolded themselves to me in my tromping through the Cup Plants this week.

Species Identification:

Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) 

This small frog, often close to two inches long can be difficult to identify from similar species.  With an ability to change color based on its physical environment its coloration can change from brown, gray, to a variation of green.  This amazing adaptation allows it to have amazing camouflage in a variety of habitats.  

Being an amphibian, water is a critical necessity to its habitat.  The swamp running adjacent to this piece of prairie, along with the Cup Plant's that allow standing water to be present make for suitable living conditions for this species.  With a diet of insects, from moths, crickets, ants, flies, grasshoppers and beetles the prairie provides a plethora of options.  

Gray Treefrog - Hyla versicolor - NatureWorks. (n.d.). New Hampshire Public Television - Engage. Connect. Celebrate.. Retrieved August 6, 2013, from http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/graytreef

Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima)

Easily recognized by its red-purple flowers growing in a disk and its red stem this plant can grow between six and ten feet high.  This plant is widely branched at the top to create the cluster of 30 or less 1/4 inch flower heads that make up the disk.  The alternate leaves of this plant are six to ten inches long and 3 inches wide, creating a lance-shaped leaf that is pointed on the end.  These toothed leaves are hairless on top, but have hair on the underside along with a distinct white midrib.  

The damp soil near the swamp creates a perfect ecosystem for this plant along with the fertile soil of the prairie.  Although relying primarily on reproduction by way of seeds this plant will sometimes have new shoots arise from the large root crown.  Some attribute this plants name to its tough stem that makes it difficult to dig up with a shovel.  

Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide. (n.d.). Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center - Home . Retrieved August 6, 2013, from http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=980

Groundhog (Marmota monax)

This small mammal, usually weighing no more than 14 pounds and measuring around 25 inches long including tail length, is a rodent in the same family as a squirrel.  This resemblance can be seen when considering the yellowish-brown fur covering their entire body including their short legs and bushy tail.  Their short legs attribute to the fact that this species can not run fast, therefore when threatened they will defend their territory.   

A Groundhog tends to take up residence in a burrow they dig, usually into the side of a slope.  The gentle rolling hills of this prairie presented a perfect place for this to be done.  Although in the winter time a wooded area makes a better location for a burrow since they will be hibernating, in the summertime they tend to create their homes near fields that will provide a good food source.  The prairie provides such a place with the many grasses, leaves, and fruits and seeds of flowering plants.  Considering an adult Groundhog can consume over a pound of vegetation a day an ample food source is necessary.  

DNR: Woodchuck (Groundhog). (n.d.).Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 6, 2013, from http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5694.htm

Common Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

This perennial plant grows between two and four feet high.  Characteristic of its growth is its stem that is unbranched with that is distinctly round.  The leaves on this plant are very grass-like in the fact that they wrap around the stem in sheaths.  The leaves are about 1 inch wide and 15 inches long alternating along the stem and tend to droop downwards.  

In late to mid-summer this plant blooms showing its blue-violet flower.  The three rounded petals measure about one inch across and surround six bright yellow anthers and fine spidery violet hairs.  Opening up in the morning the sun causes these flowers to close by mid-day, although on cloudy days they may stay open longer.  This plant needs full to partial sun which can easily be achieved within the prairie.  The yellower look of the plant specimens I found is a sign that the conditions here from other plant competition may be taking its toll on this species currently.  

weather, t. a. (n.d.). Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis). Illinois Wildflowers. Retrieved August 8, 2013, from http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx

Surviving Winter:

Creative Contribution:

"Urban Prairie Unveiled" by-Allison Broomhall