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Week 52 Observations

12.24.25

American Kestrel

(Falco sparverius)

Observed these males 12.24.25 along 13 mile road and Stewart Rd on Galveston. This native species is found in the area year round but even more so during the winter and their migration.

They are the smallest North American falcon species that can be around 10 inches tall. They can use the wind to hold them in place as they flap rapidly while searching for food. They also search from trees, power lines, and poles. Grasshoppers are a fav but they are also known to eat small birds and mammals, and lizards.

Unlike other falcon species, they will take over nest boxes, abandoned tree cavities, and cliff ledges to build their nests. Their numbers have been decreasing so the nest boxes are an important part of their conservation.

#americankestrel #falcosparverius #citizenscience #native #falcon #birdofprey #birds #nature #outdoors #december #december24 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day357

12.25.25

Poinsettia

(Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Observed downtown Galveston 12.20.25. It has been introduced from Central America and Mexico where it grows as a small tree or perennial shrub.

There are more than a 100 varieties that come in a range of colors other than red. They rely on long nights of at least 12 hours to get their vibrant colors. This process is called photoperiodism.

The colored parts are actually special leaves called bracts that surround the small yellow flowers in the center. Though toxic they do not cause significant harm in humans and have been used by Aztecs for medicine and dyes.

#poinsettia #euphorbiapulcherrima #citizenscience #plant #shrub #flora #nonnative #nature #outdoors #december #december25 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day359

Merry Christmas!

12.26.25

Peregrina

(Jatropha integerrima)

Observed by IHOP on Galveston 12.21.25. This nonnative plant was introduced from Cuba, Hispaniola and other Caribbean Islands where it grows in disturbed areas and forest edges.

This plant is drought tolerant once it becomes established and can even come back after frost damage. It can be grown in containers but also as small trees or pruned hedges. The leaves can grow as lobed, oval, and fiddle-shaped on the same plant. The showy red flowers attract butterflies like swallowtails and monarchs.

All parts of the plant have a toxin called curcin and the milky sap can cause skin irritation and is best kept from pets and kids. Despite the toxicity of the plant it has a history of being used in medicinal ways and also as an oil source for possible food or fuel sources.

#peregrina #jatrophaintegerrima #citizenscience #nonnative #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #december #december26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day360

12.27.25

White-tailed Kite

(Elanus leucurus)

Observed 12.27.25 in Galveston Island State Park. It is natively found on the west coast of US, as well as most southern states, most of Mexico, and down to South America.

They are skilled at flying and hunting. Unlike other kite species, they feed mostly on rodents but will also eat insects and lizards. They will hover up to 80 ft in the air which is called “kiting” to search for prey. When spotted, they drop feet first and will pass the food, if small enough, from talon to mouth all while flying.

The males will present food to females while flying as well and sometimes females will flip upside down to catch it. If enough food can be found, they can have multiple clutches in a season. They are territorial and can lock talons in mid-air with a rival and even fall to the ground.

They are very social for raptors and can roost, during nonbreeding season, with 100 individuals in a group.

#whitetailedkite #elanusleucurus #citizenscience #native #bird #raptor #nature #outdoors #december #december27 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day361

12.28.25

European Peacock Butterfly

(Aglais io)

Observed this new butterfly species (for me) at home on Galveston 12.25.25. This rare visitor lives natively in Asia and Europe. We don’t have established populations. It could have been blown off course by strong winds or a storm, or escaped from someone’s collection, but more than likely it came by way of cargo ship hauling flowers or plants. There is an American Peacock Butterfly, but it looks very different and is not closely related.

The caterpillars only feed on stinging nettles and adults drink nectar from a variety of flowers or sap from trees. The adults will often overwinter in buildings and will emerge in the spring to lay eggs. They live about 11 months.

When their wings are closed, they look like a dead leaf, camouflaging them from would be predators. The beautiful eye spots help scare birds and their wings can produce an ultrasonic click that startles bats. When they rub their hindwings and forewings together a surprising hissing is created to also warn off predators.

#europeanpeacockbutterfly #aglaisio #citizenscience #nonnative #peacockbutterfly #butterfly #insect #nature #outdoors #december #december26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day362

12.29.25

Creeping Lantana

(Lantana montevidensis)

Observed downtown Galveston 12.20.25. This nonnative species is considered invasive in some areas because under the right conditions it can grow aggressively, outcompeting native species for resources. It grows natively in South America.

The berries are toxic and the entire plant is poisonous to pets and livestock. It is a favorite for gardens because it is deer resistant and needs little care once established. When bruised, the leaves can smell and cause skin irritation in some people.

Despite all the disadvantages, it is a draw for pollinators and helps control soil erosion with its vine-like stems.

#creepinglantana #lantanamontevidensis #citizenscience #nonnative #invasive #plant #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #december #december26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day363

12.30.25

New Mushroom Alert!

Dead Man's Hand

(Scleroderma polyrhizum)

Observed at home 12.29.25. This is a native mushroom that is commonly found in disturbed soils around the globe, including Galveston.

They start growing underground and once mature, the fruit body starts to split open with the rays pushing it above ground, looking like a hand. I'm not sure why the big one isn't underground but I wonder if it is because it was in an ant mound.

This fungus can survive and thrive in the harshest conditions, growing in a variety of substrates.

Unlike other puffballs, it reveals the spores in an open bowl-like opening letting rain and wind (or Carrie) help with dispersal.

This is a poisonous fungus that can cause intense gastrointestinal issues and should never be eaten. When young, it has a dark marbled gleba with white veins that is different from the solid white puff balls that are edible.

#deadmanshand #Sclerodermapolyrhizum #citizenscience #native #puffball #earthstar #fungus #mushroom #nature #outdoors #december #december30 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day364

12.31.25

Year 11 has been amazing. I've learned so much and have so many great photos! I identified 139 plants, 78 insects, 59 birds, 22 invertebrates, 19 mammals, 12 fungi, 10 reptiles, 10 fish, 8 mollusks, 4 lichen, and 4 amphibians! The fun isn't ending, I plan to continue this theme in 2026! Hope I'll see you there!

Soap Aloe

(Aloe maculata)

Observed 12.31.25 at home on Galveston. This nonnative succulent was introduced from South Africa.

It adapts quickly and thrives in full sunny, dry areas once established. It is green under optium conditions and turns purple if it is environmentally stressed. It grows in rosettes and then offsets called “pups" spread quickly and can make for good ground cover.

Historically, it has been used in very similar ways medicinally as aloe vera and also for soap. The sap creates a soapy lather and has been used as a substitute for actual soap though in some it can cause skin irritation.

It is a relatively small Aloe but it's flowers can grow up to 3 feet tall. The flowers are brightly colored and tubular in shape, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.

#soapaloe #Aloemaculata #citizenscience #nonnative #Aloe #succulent #nature #outdoors #December31 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day365 #year11 #goodbye2025

Week 51 Observations

12.17.25

Coastal Sandbur

(Cenchrus spinifex)

Observed 12.17.25 at home and at GISP. This native grass ranges from South America to Southern US.

It thrives in disturbed areas with well drained, sandy soils, often times indicating overused land.

The burs are seed pods that hold 2-4 seeds. The barbed spines aid in seed dispersal though it is an annoyance for animals and people.

Some birds, like Pyrrhuloxia, feed on the seeds. Other animals such as livestock can eat it but it causes pain to the mouth and hooves can impact the quality of mohair and wool.

Though it is a pest of a weed it can be found growing in areas that other plants can not and it can help stabilize the soil and dunes making it a vital native species.

#coastalsandbur #Cenchrusspinifex #citizenscience #native #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #december #December17 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day351

12.18.25

Chinese Tallow

(Triadica sebifera)

Observed 12.18.25 in GISP. This deceptively pretty, invasive plant from China is a big ecological issue for the Gulf Coast and other areas it has been introduced to by altering soils and outcompeting native flora.

It was originally brought here for oil and wax by Benjamin Franklin! The seeds are white and waxy which has been used to make candles. The oil produced from these kernels have been used in lamps and paints.

The leaves and sap are toxic but pollinators enjoy the spring flowers and birds eat the seeds. The honey the bees make is highly desirable. When the leaves or stems are broken a poisonous sap is present.

#chinesetallow #Triadicasebifera #citizenscience #nonnative #invasive #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #december #December19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day352

12.19.25

Downy Woodpecker

(Dryobates pubescens)

Observed adult male at Lafitte's Cove on Galveston Island 12.19.25. This native bird is found across all of North America and is only absent in the southwestern desert and Northern tundra.

They are the smallest North American woodpecker species. Though they aren't closely related to the hairy woodpecker, they look similar due to adapting over time to similar environments. The downy has a much smaller beak.

Despite their small size, they are able to carve out their nesting and shelter cavities in trees trunk. They have little bristly hairs that cover their nose holes that keep wood chips from being inhaled.

They like to feed on insects but also eat seeds, berries, and suet. They will hunt in the trees, on the ground, and frequent backyard feeders. Their tongues are so long that it coils up into their head and darts out quickly to grab food with the sticky, barbs on the tip.

#downywoodpecker #Dryobatespubescens #citizenscience #native #Woodpecker #bird #nature #outdoors #December #December19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day353

12.20.25

Rounded Earthstar

(Geastrum saccatum)

Observed in a flower box in front of ShyKatz on Galveston Island 12.20.25. This native mushroom is common throughout central and east Texas as well as most of the world making it a cosmopolitan species. It is commonly found growing on/around decaying wood.

It is pretty tough and bitter making it inedible though it is being studied for possible anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It starts out as a little puff ball and as it grows there are 4-10 arms that look like a flower and act as a supportive base for the spore sac. The sac has an inner lining of dark tissue called the GLEBA (anyone? 👀 anyone?) that protects the dark brown spores until a split forms on the top of the sac. Once the sac opens the spores are expelled usually triggered by raindrops.

#roundedearthstar #Geastrumsaccatum #citizenscience #native #mushroom #fungi #gleba #nature #outdoors #december #December20 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day354

12.21.25

Tangerine

(Citrus deliciosa)

Observed my first fruit tree, with fruit, downtown Galveston 12.20.25. Tangerines are hybrids of mandarins, likely originating from the chinese mandarin and pomelo. Later, appearing in Italy about 1810. It quickly became a favorite around the Mediterranean area for its sweet fruit.The flowers and peels can produce essential oils. It is easier to peel than other orange species.

#Tangerine #Citrusdeliciosa #citizenscience #nonnative #mandarins #fruittree #tree #fruit #orange #nature #outdoors #december #December21 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day355

12.22.25

Coppertone Stonecrop

(Sedum adolphi)

Observed 12.20.25 downtown Galveston. This non-native succulent comes from Mexico where it thrives in rocky, arid regions.

It changes colors with the weather. Bright orange to red with more sun, less rain, & cooler temps. Lime green with less sun, warmer temps and more rain.

It easily propagates from stem cuttings. In late winter to early spring, white flower grow to attract pollinators.

#coppertonestonecrop #Sedumadolphi #citizenscience #nonnative #succulent #nature #outdoors #december #December22 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day356

12.23.25

This one made me uncomfortable lol

Northern Mole Cricket

(Neocurtilla hexadactyla)

Observed 12.20.25 at GISP on Alligator Loop Trail. This is a native insect and ranges from Southern Canada to Eastern and central US.

They are nocturnal and are usually only seen during mating season. They are skilled at digging and burrowing through damp soil.

Their burrows can amplify their chirping which is produced by rubbing their wings together.

Females will stay and protect her eggs and nymphs which is rare with insects. They can be pest-like for lawn owners because they feed on roots.

#northernmolecricket #Neocurtillahexadactyla #citizenscience #native #insect #nature #outdoors #december #December23 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day357

Week 50 Observations

12.10.25

Orange Sulphur Butterfly

(Colias eurytheme)

Observed 11.6.25 in Cleburne. Native butterfly species with a range that extends from southern Canada to central Mexico.

Also know as alfalfa butterfly because their larvae mainly feed on alfalfa and clover plants. Unlike other species the larvae feed at night.

They are adaptable and have long seasons in warmer areas where they can be seen from March to Decembe in fields and meadows. They can have 2-4 broods per year.

#orangesulphurbutterfly #Coliaseurytheme #citizenscience #native #orangesulphur #butterfly #insect #nature #outdoors #december #December10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day344

12.11.25

Variegated Meadowhawk

(Sympetrum corruptum)

Observed this female 12.11.25 on Heritage Trail in GISP. Native dragonfly species that is found across North America and southern Canada.

They are commonly found near water but have also been seen in grasslands far from water.

The individuals that migrate north are not the same individuals that migrate south.

They are excellent fliers with their four wings moving independently which helps them capture small insects in mid-flight.

#variegatedmeadowhawk #Sympetrumcorruptum #citizenscience #native #dragonfly #insect #nature #outdoors #december #December11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day345

12.12.25

Slender Yellow Woodsorrel

(Oxalis dillenii)

Observed 12.12.25 in GISP on Heritage Trail. Native flower that extends from Mexico to Central Canada.

It's been used historically to treat sores and fevers. It is edible in small amounts. It has vitamin c and oxalic acid that gives it a tangy, lemon flavor.

It can grown in full sun and dry soils in fields, pastures, yards, and along roadsides.

It can be mistaken for clover due to the leaves. When the seed pods are ready they will explode to aid in dispersal. The leaflets close when it is cloudy or night.

#slenderyellowwoodsorrel #Oxalisdillenii #citizenscience #native #wildflower #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #december #december12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day346

12.13.25 DAY 4000!!!

I’ve hit another huge milestone in my Project365, DAY 4000! When I started this project, it was a way to beat the dark thoughts being bedridden with extreme vertigo brought on. I wasn’t even sure I’d make it a month let alone that first year and here I am almost 11 years completed! It’s been a constant roller coaster with hills of excitement and education to valleys of feeling like it’s not good enough, or not enough people see or care about what I post but at the end of the ride I’m doing it for myself and will continue to do so until it doesn’t serve me any longer. For those of you who have ever felt something from one of my posts, thank you for being here with me! See you tomorrow for day 4001.

Domestic Cattle

(Bos Taurus)

Observed 12.12.25 on Galveston Island. Through domestication, cattle are seen globally. This is a mix of some of the non-humped breeds and their origins stem from Europe and Northern Asia. Their ancestors, Aurochs, went extinct 4000 years ago.

They can be playful and even trained. They live in a complex hierarchy led by the more dominant and older cows that control movements, feeding order, reduce conflict, and other behaviors to create stabilization in the herd. Calves will inherit the status of their mothers, mostly males but not exclusively. Though they all interact there are groups of the bachelor males and then the females and young cows together. They have a variety of ways to communicate to one another including chemical signals, sound, touch, and visual cues. To help identify predators their eyes are on the sides of their heads allowing them 300 degree vision.

Due to the tough plant matter that they consume, a healthy cow will chew their cud about 8 hours a day. Constantly swallowing, regurgitating, and re-chewing. They also have a dental plate on the top instead of front teeth. This helps grind the plants they eat. Then the four compartments of their stomach help break down and ferment the plant matter.

#domesticcattle #bostaurus #citizenscience #nonnative #introduced #cows #mammals #fauna #nature #outdoors #december #december13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day347 #day4000

12.14.25

Belted Kingfisher

(Megaceryle alcyon)

Observed female along Stewart road, looking down to the water, 12.14.25. Native to the area especially during winter.

Unlike other Kingfisher species, the belted females are more colorful than the males. They are territorial and will defend their stretch of waterways that could be as long as a mile.

They perch on limbs and powerless over water. When they dive they have a clear eyelid that allows them to see underwater to hunt seamlessly. They eat more than just fish and will cough up pellets like an owl because they can not digest bones.

Both parents dig a long (up to 8+ feet!), angled burrow in dirt banks for their nest where they care for their young together.

#beltedkingfisher #Megacerylealcyon #citizenscience #native #bird #nature #outdoors #december #december14 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day348

12.15.25

Cutleaf Evening Primrose

(Oenothera laciniata)

Observed 12.13.25 at GISP HQ. Native from South America up to Ontario and eastern to central US.

This species pops up in disturbed areas like road sides and fields. The flowers open up at dusk and close in the morning creating essential food stops for nocturnal pollinators. The flowers go from bright yellow to pink as they age.

The first year taproots are edible both cooked and raw. Historically, Cherokee people have used the seeds and leaves for medicine and food.

#cutleafeveningprimrose #Oenotheralaciniata #citizenscience #native #wildflower #dew #nature #outdoors #december #December15 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day349

12.16.25

Greater Scaup

(Aythya marila)

Observed this female at a pond off Heritage Trail in GISP 12.11.25. Native duck species that winters along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

In winter they can be found in huge social groups in the thousands called "rafts".

They are a diving duck and can go to 20 feet deep to hunt for food in a body of water and can stay under up to a minute. Food like mollusks, plants and insects.

They breed in the tundra across North America and Eurasia. Once females start incubate her eggs the males goes off on his own to molt.

#greaterscaup #Aythyamarila #citizenscience #native #duck #waterfowl #bird #nature #outdoors #december #December16 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day350

#citizen science #nature #outdoors #native #nonnative #flora #fauna #insect #birds #plants #flowers #mammal #orange sulphur butterfly #varigated meadowhawk #slender yellow woodsorrel #domestic cattle #belted kingfisher #cutleaf evening primrose #greater scaup

Week 49 Observations

12.3.25

Coastal Tiger Beetle

Ellipsoptera hamata

Observed 10.8.25 on Jenkins Trail in GISP. This native tiger beetle is found all along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. They like to live in areas near the water with little vegetation along beaches, mudflats, and marshes.

They have excellent vision and use their large eyes to track prey. They actually run faster than their vision works so they will have to stop to re-aim.

Their larvae are ambush predators that live in burrows and use hooks and a humped back to wedge themselves in as they snag passing prey. Adults are active from spring to fall. They also use burrows as protection or will overwinter in them.

They are diurnal but can be attracted to artificial light after dark. They could’ve adapted this behavior to avoid daylight predators.

#coastaltigerbeetle #ellipsopterahamata #citizenscience #native #insect #beetle #nature #outdoors #december #december3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day337

12.4.25

Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

Observed this species at GISP 10.24.25 & also the previous October. The recent one was on the Swail trail and thankfully my lizard brain kicked in and I jumped over it instead of stepping on it! This snake species is also known as the water moccasin and is natively found in the Southeastern US states.

These semi aquatic snakes can float on water with most of their body showing and they can even bite while underwater.

They are a venomous snake and are big fish eaters. While hunting they will latch on to prey until their venom has kicked in unless it is a mammal because they will avoid be bitten in return. They are known as opportunistic scavengers which means they have a wide variety of prey they will feed on, including already dead prey such as fish.

Cottonmouths give birth to a litter of 3-14 live young. Their birthing season is usually August to October and they are known to be able to give birth without having been fertilized if males are in short supply. This is called parthenogenesis.

The juveniles (pictured here) have yellow to yellow-green tail tips that they use as a lure for prey. Cottonmouths also shake their tail to warn off predators like a rattlesnake but without the rattle. Another way they warn away danger is by opening their mouths so wide it shows the white lining that they get their name from. The one I came across on the trail did this but I was still in survival mode and missed the picture.

#Cottonmouth #Agkistrodonpiscivorus #citizenscience #native #snake #watermoccasin #venomous #reptile #nature #outdoors #watchyourstep #december #december4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day338

12.5.25

Sweet Potato Broad-nosed Weevil

(Tanymecus lacaena)

Observed at GISP 11.19.25. This is a native species of weevil to North America and have historically been found int tall-grass prairies in Louisiana and Texas.

They can be found on plants like ragweed, mint, sweet Potato, sea purslane to name a few. Their larvae will feed on the roots while the adults feed on the foliage.

Females can lay around 4000 eggs over her lifetime. The yellowish eggs are deposited in the soil one by one. Weevils have special snouts that are not only used to feed but they also lay their eggs with it by creating a cavity in the soil for the egg.

#sweetpotatobroadnosedweevil #Tanymecuslacaena #citizenscience #native #Weevil #sesuviumweevil #insect #nature #outdoors #December #December5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day339

12.6.25

Lincoln's Sparrow

(Melospiza lincolnii)

Observed at GISP 12.6.25. This native Sparrow is found throughout North America and is normally a winter bird in Galveston.

They are more sneaky and elusive than other sparrows, keeping to the brush they live in. Even in places where they are common they are rarely seen. Because of this there are gaps in the studies of their life cycle and behaviors.

They breed in northern areas in the spring and fall then migrate south for winter. The males will fly longer distances than the females while flying higher as well.

Females will incubate the eggs and have been spot scurrying away like a rodent when something approaches the nest.

#lincolnssparrow #Melospizalincolnii #citizenscience #native #Sparrow #songbird #bird #nature #outdoors #december #december6 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day340

12.7.25

Yellow Cosmos

(Cosmos sulphureus)

Observed 11.3.35 in Cleburne this non-native annual comes from Central America and Mexico making it able to thrive in rhe Texas heat.

This flower can grow in poor conditions and once established needs little care. It self seeds easily which can give it weedy tendencies in gardens.

Historically, it has been used to make yellow dyes for wool and silk. Extracts from the plant have been used in teas and salads with potentially antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.

The bright yellow flowers grow from summer to the first frost giving pollinators a place to get nectar.

#yellowcosmos #Cosmossulphureus #citizenscience #nonnative #flowers #plants #nature #outdoors #december #december7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day341

12.8.25

Wrinkled Grasshopper

(Hippiscus ocelote)

Observed 11.3.25 in Cleburne. Native to Mexico and North America, east of the Rockies.

Adults are active from August to November. Females lay egg pods, holding 30-50 eggs, in the soil before the first frost with the eggs going dormant for winter. They then emerge as nymphs in early summer.

They are usually found in prairies, grasslands and open woodlands. They like to feed upon grasses but can also eat other insects.

Unlike other grasshopper species, these do not usually grow in numbers to cause harm to agricultural crops.

#wrinkledgrasshopper #Hippiscusocelote #citizenscience #native #grasshopper #insect #nature #outdoors #December #december8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day342

12.9.25

Common Bird-of-paradise Flower

(Strelitzia reginae)

Observed 12.8.25 in downtown Galveston. This South African native is a popular ornamental flower that does well in the hot, coastal climate of Galveston.

It gets it's Latin name from Queen Charlotte, married to King George lll.

It is distantly related to the banana plant but it's seeds and flowers are toxic when eaten and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

The unique shape of the flowers depend on bird to do most of the pollinating. When the bird perches on the flower petals their weight lifts pollen to their feet and chest that they then carry to the next flowers stigma. Though some birds, like sunbirds, can steal nectar without getting pollen on themselves.

#commonbirdofparadiseflower #Strelitziareginae #citizenscience #nonnative #flower #plant #birdofparadise #nature #outdoors #december #december8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day343

Week 48 Observations

11.26.25

Giant Strong-nosed Stink Bug

Alcaeorrhynchus grandis

Observed on the Heritage Trail in GISP 11.26.25. Its native range is from South America to Mexico with the Southern US being a more recent extension.

With adults reaching about 1 inch in length, it is one of the largest species of stink bug.

Females will lay anywhere from 100-200 eggs that are usually arranged in rows. The nymphs, like the one pictured here, will go through 5 molting stages before its final adult stage. This whole process takes about two months.

They are considered beneficial predators, feeding on other insects. It is believed that they will feed on plants if other prey is scarce. Their main prey is caterpillar larvae. They will track their prey by following trails made from droppings (or “frass”).

#giantstrongnosedstinkbug #alcaeorrhynchusgrandis #native #stinkbug #insect #nature #outdoors #november # november26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day330

11.27.25

Phaon Crescent

Phyciodes phaon

Observed at GISP on 11.22.25. This native butterfly is found from Guatemala to the southern US.

It is an important pollinator by transferring pollen from the flowers it visits like in the Asteraceae family. It is one of the first arrivals in spring and likes to warm itself in the sun on cooler days.

They will lay their eggs on the underside of leaves on host plants, usually in the Lippia genus which is in the Verbenas family. The caterpillars start out in groups but eventually become solitary. They pupate in a brown chrysalis with dark marks.

They are name after the Greek boatman, Phaon, who was made beautiful by Aphrodite after he ferried her a long way.

#phaoncrescent #phyciodesphaon #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #pollinator #nature #outdoors #november #november27 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day331

11.28.25

Climbing Dayflower

Commelina diffusa

Observed 11.23.25 on the Swail Trail at GISP. This nonnative species is thought to have been introduced to the southern US from Asia. It like to grow in wet, disturbed soils like marshes and coastal prairies, which is where I found these growing.

It can grow by creeping along the ground with roots stemming from nodes, seeds that are dispersed by water, and even pieces of the stem can sprout new plants.

The “true blue” flowers have a couple uses such as attracting pollinators like the blue-banded bee, and creating blue dye for painting from the petals.

The plant has a traditional medicinal use for treating fevers, swelling, inflamed eyes, and the leaves have been used to make an ointment to treat wounds. The leaves are also edible.

#climbingdayflower #commelinadiffusa #citizenscience #nonnative #wildflowers #dayflowers #flora #plant #nature #outdoors #november #november28 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day332

11.29.25

Giant Reed

Arundo donax

Observed on Aligator Loop Trail in GISP 11.29.25. This invasive species was introduced to North America from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It can cause harm to ecosystems by out competing native species and increasing risk of wildfire.

This species spreads aggressively and grows very fast. It can reach 25 feet tall in one year! The north American plants don't usually produce seeds but can spread by flood waters moving viable stems and rhizomes to take hold in a new area.

Though it can be useful, it is one of the world's most invasive species. Such uses like: reeds for wind instruments, possible biofuel, fishing rods, and basketry don't make up for the effect it can have on an ecosystem.

#giantreed #Arundodonax #citizenscience #nonnative #invasive #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #november #november29 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day333

11.30.25

Queen Butterfly

Danaus gilippus

Observed 11.26.25 at GISP. This native species of butterfly is found from Argentina the southern US.

They are closely related to the monarch with a few differences.

First, they are similar in looks and toxicity with their larvae also feeding on milkweeds. Males have pheromone sac with hair pencils that are used to rub their scent on a females antennas.

They differ with fewer spots on their wings, a lack of dark veins on the top part of the wings, and a lighter orange color with more brown tones. They also do not migrate but stay in the warmer, southern climate, unlike monarchs.

Females have longer forelegs than males that they use to scratch leaves while searching for a place to lay her eggs.

#queenbutterfly #danausgilippus #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #nature #outoors #november #november30 #picoftheday #project365 #day334

12.1.25

Coquina

Donax variabilis

Observed 10.12.25 on GISP beach. This native clam is commonly found all along beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern US Atlantic.

These clams are filter feeders, cleaning up the water as they use their siphons to feed on organic matter and algae. Due to being sensitive to environmental changes, they are considered an indicator species, showing up on healthy beaches.

They live in the sand in the surf zone, between tides. They use their muscular foot to burrow into the sand to avoid danger and incoming waves.

They move horizontally down the beach, riding the surf to stay in nutrient rich waters. Their colorful shells are thought to be used to confuse birds that may prey on them.

They are not only a food source for animals but are used in chowders in some coastal areas.

#coquina #donaxvariabilis #citizenscience #native #clam #beach #invertebrates #mollusk #nature #outdoors #december #december1 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day335

12.2.25

Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria

Observed 11.14.25 off 8 mile rd on Galveston Island. This native plant is common in coastal areas along the southeastern to central US coasts.

It is a hardy plant that is salt and drought tolerant.

It is the only North American plant that produces caffeine and is native. Native Americans used twigs and leaves to create a caffeinated drink they called "black drink" that has more caffeine than tea but not as much as coffee.

The berries are toxic to humans but birds and other mammals rely on them as a food source in late fall and winter. The foliage also creates shelter during these colder months.

#yauponholly #Ilexvomitoria #citizenscience #native #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #december #december2 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day336

#citizen science #nature #outdoors #native #insect #fauna #giant strong nosed stink bug #phaon crescent #butterfly #nonnative #climbing dayflower #flora #invasive #giant reed #queen butterfly #coquina #mollusk #invertebrates #yaupon holly

Week 47 Observations

11.19.25

Red-marked Mason Wasp

Pachodynerus erynnis

Observed 11.19.25 at GISP. It is natively found in the southeastern US.

The females have stinger that they only use when they feel threatened. It is a painful sting but not known to be dangerous for human.

They are solitary wasps that will take over abandoned nests or other cavities constructed by other wasps or bees. They will build it up with a mixture of mud and saliva.

Adults feed on the nectar of plants and are pollinators. The females will trap caterpillars for their larvae. They do this by encasing the paralyzed, yet alive, caterpillar with one egg. When the larvae hatch it will feed on the caterpillar until it is ready to move from the nest!

#redmarkedmasonwasp

#Pachodyneruserynnis #citizenscience #native #wasp #insect #nature #outdoors #november #november19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day323

11.20.25

Beach Morning-glory

Ipomoea imperati

Observed on GISP Beach 11.20.25. This native species can be found along the southeastern US coasts and down to South America.

This vine is considered a pioneer plant meaning that it is often times the first plant to start growing in an area such as coastal dunes. It is drought tolerant, thrives in full sun, and grows quickly. Roots grow from the nodes on the stems which can then cover more ground and helps stabilize the sand.

It can grow from cuttings or seeds though the seeds need to be scarred to germinate. The seeds are toxic to to humans and plants by causing vomiting and hallucinations in larger quantities.

#beachmorningglory #Ipomoeaimperati #citizenscience #native #flower #flora #morningglory #november #november20 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day324

11.21.25

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

Observed at GISP 11.20.25. These pigeons are found in two groups: wild pigeons which live on cliffs or in river valleys and coastal areas and then there are feral pigeons which are the ones we see inhabiting urban areas. They all come from their ancestors that lived in Europe, western Asia, and Northern Africa. This species of pigeons was introduced to North America in the 1600s.

Males and females mate for life and can mate year round allowing for 5 or more broods a year. Both parents help incubate the eggs for about 17 days. Once hatched, both parents then produce a "pigeon milk" to feed their young to promote healthy and fast growth. It takes about a month for them to be ready to leave the nest but could take them more time to learn to fly.

They are extremely intelligent birds especially when it comes to finding their way back home which is why they have been used as homing pigeons for centuries. They use the sun and earth's magnetic field as an internal GPS.

#rockpigeon #Columbalivia #citizenscience #nonnative #pigeon #bird #nature #outdoors #november #november21 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day325

11.22.25

Gulf Marsh Fiddler Crab

Minuca longisignalis

Observed 11.19.25 along the bay marshline at GISP. Natively found along the Gulf of Mexico coastline from Texas to Florida with higher populations in the saltmarshes of Alabama and Mississippi.

They prefer sand or mudflats so they can create their burrows which they use as protection from sun/heat, predators, and high tide. They will enclose themselves (and air) in their burrow during high tide.

Only males have the large claw that they use to attract mates and to defend against other males. When trying to catch a female's attention, they will wave their claw around, resembling a fiddle being played.

The large claws can grow back after being removed. Males have to work twice as hard when feeding due to having only one useful claw. They eat algae and decaying organic matter which helps put healthy nutrients back into the ecosystem.

#gulfmarshfiddlercrab #minucalongisignalis #citizenscience #native #fiddlercrab #Crab #nature #outdoors #november #november22 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day326

11.23.25

Onion-stalked Parasol

Leucocoprinus cepistipes

Observed 11.23.25 this native mushroom on the swail trail at GISP. It is found across Texas and North America. It is thought to have been introduced globally via tropical plant trade due to it's ability to thrive in potted plants, greenhouses, wood chips, and garden soil. Though it's growth habits speak to a tropical origin it was first described by an English man in 1796.

It bruises easily to a yellowish brown color when handled. It is not recommended to eat due to it's unpalatability especially with similar looking species being toxic. It can be found fruiting through out the year in warmer climates but peak growth season it from spring through fall.

#onionstalkedparasol #Leucocoprinuscepistipes #citizenscience #native #mushroom #fungi #nature #outdoors #november #november23 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day327

11.24.25

Texas Lantana

Lantana urticoides

Observed 11.23.25 along Stewart Rd on Galveston. It is native all along the Texas coast and thrives in sandy soils.

The flowers start out yellow and change orange and then red. The showy flowers attract all kinds of pollinators and will even slightly fade in color once visited telling the pollinator there is no more nectar.

The leaves are itchy and scratchy while also being toxic if eaten making it deer resistant. Birds are able to eat the seeds which also helps spread the growth of the plant.

It is a hardy plant that can go quite awhile without water once established.

#texaslantana #Lantanaurticoides #citizenscience #native #wildflowers #flora #nature #november #november24 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day328

11.25.25

Fiery Skipper

Hylephila phyleus

Observed 11.22.25 at GISP. This native butterfly species is found from southern US all the way down to Argentina.

They are found in suburban gardens and yards as well as natural habitats. Their caterpillars can be pests because they like to feed on Bermuda and Saint Augustine grasses. They stay safe from mowers by building a shelter from silk and grass that can be close to or under ground. This shelter is where they will pupate.

Adults are sexually dimorphic with males a bright orange color with black spots. Females are reversed in colored and that is what is pictured here. Unlike their larvae, adults are an important link in the ecosystem by being pollinators and being a food source for other animals.

They hold their wings in a unique triangle shape that is thought to help them absorb more sun.

#fieryskipper #Hylephilaphyleus #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #female #nature #november #november25 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day329

Week 46 Observations

11.12.25

Texas Striped Sweat Bee

Agapostemon texanus

Observed at Galveston Island State Park 11.12.25. This native species has a wide range from Costa Rica to Southern Canada.

Like other sweat bees it is attracted to our sweat and very rarely sting.

They exhibit sexual dimorphism, females are all green (pictured) & males have black and white abdomen stripes.

They have two generations a year and can be seen from spring to winter. With the first frost, males die off and females overwinter. They nest in the ground as a colony but each female has their own, separate area.

This species feed and contribute to pollination of a wide variety of plants including but not limited to: apples, sunflowers, and stone fruits. Females collect the pollen on hairs on their legs to carry back for the larvae.

#texasstripedsweatbee #Agapostemontexanus #citizenscience #native #metallicgreensweatbee #sweatbee #insect #nature #outdoors #november #november12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day316

11.13.25

Sumatran Tiger

Panthera tigris sumatrae

Observed 11.4.25 at Ft Worth Zoo. This critically endangered subspecies of tiger is only found on the island of Sumatra.

There were 9 subspecies of tiger but 3 have gone extinct. They have lost their habitats to deforestation for palm oil crops. Even though they are protected, poaching is a huge threat all for their teeth, skin and bones.

The subspecies is the smallest with a deep orange coat and thin black stripes. This coloration helps them to blend into their environment. They have been found living in swamps, forests, river areas. Their night vision is 6x better than humans. They have a bite force of 1000lbs.

They usually are on their own unless its time to mate or a mother raising cubs. They communicate with incredibly loud roars or contented chuffs.

They hunt and feed on animals such as birds, monkeys, wild pigs, deer and more.

#sumatrantiger #Pantheratigrissumatrae #citizenscience #nonnative #endangered #tiger #zoo #conservation #education #nature #outdoors #november #november13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day317

11.14.25

North American Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

Documented the rescue of these two opossums that couldn't get out of the trash cans they climbed into at Galveston Island State Park. This is the only marsupial species native to North America.

These solitary animals only come together to mate, they're mostly active at night, and are highly adaptable often times finding shelter in man made structures.

They are called "living fossils" for surviving at least 50 million years with very little evolutionary changes. Opossums are intelligent foragers (despite getting trapped in trash cans) with a nose for finding food. They are omnivores that eat almost anything including pests like rodents, ticks (they can consume about 5000 in a single season) and snakes (they are resistant to venom)! They also have the most teeth of any mammal found in the US with 50!

It is very rare for opossums to get rabies because the virus can not survive in their lower body temperature which is about 94-97 degrees.

#northamericanopossum #Didelphisvirginiana #citizenscience #virginiaopossum #native #mammal #Opossum #nature #outdoors #november #november14 #picoftheday #project365 #day318

11.15.25

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus Plexippus

Observed 11.15.25 at Galveston Island State Park. This is a native butterfly that passes through Galveston for spring and fall migrations, breeding and feeding on their ways north or south.

Their migration is like a bird’s where they can travel thousands of miles each way. To succeed they have multiple generations that make this migration possible. Their lifespan depends on which part they play in the migration. The individuals that migrate south to lay their eggs and overwinter are considered a “super generation” because they can live for months on energy stores and huddle with others in their dormant state. The multiple generations that travel north only live for 6-8 weeks. The summer generations repopulate their breeding grounds as they travel north, as one generation ends, the eggs they laid start the next generations leg of the migration. This could take up to 4 generations to go from Mexico to Northern US and Southern Canada.

They have a special genetic clock that allows them to watch the sun’s position on the horizon and know the migration route without ever having done it before. They can fly up to a speed of about 30mph.

Their larvae feed exclusively on milkweed so their emergence follows milkweed growth very closely. This is also what makes the adults toxic to would be predation. Their coloration warns off predators though some species, like the black-headed grosbeak, can tolerate the toxins and will feed on monarchs.

Males have a black dot that are pheromone sacs on each hindwing.

#monarchbutterfly #danausplexippus #citizenscience #native #butterfly #monarch #insect #endangeredspecies #nature #outdoors #november #november15 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day319

11.16.25

Blue Mistflower

Conoclinium coelestinum

Observed this native wildflower at GISP 11.16.25. This herbaceous perennial is found across eastern and central US.

This flower is a late summer and fall bloomer. It provides nectar and pollen to late season pollinators when other flowers start to fade. The leaves are bitter making it unappealing to deer. It is a host plant for several native moth species larvae like the three lined flower moth and the lined ruby tiger moth.

This plant spreads quickly via seeds and underground stems (rhizomes). Under good conditions it can become quite weedy and may not work in a garden. This growth can stabilize soil against erosion. It grows the best in full sun, well-drained soil, and constant moisture.

#bluemistflower #conocliniumcoelestinum #citizenscience #native #flower #wildflowers #perennial #nature #outdoors #november #november16 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day320

11.17.25

Gulf Killifish

Fundulus grandis

I believe this to be the gulf killifish. Observed this native fish along the bay shoreline in GISP 11.16.25. It is found along the western Atlantic coasts including the Gulf of Mexico.

They are very tolerant of high salinity areas and live in the soft muddy shorelines in marshes and estuaries. They lay their eggs in this soft substrate at the intertidal zone. Because of this the eggs have adapted to survive dry periods by being encased in a shell. When the right conditions are met the eggs will then hatch. They are an annual species, meani g that they only live about a year.

They are the largest of the killifish species and can grow to be over 7 inches long. They are often used as bait for larger fish like trout or flounder.

#gulfkillifish #Fundulusgrandis #citizenscience #native #killifish #fish #nature #outdoors #november #november17 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day321

11.18.25

Saltmarsh Cordgrass

Spartina alterniflora

Observed all along the Galveston bay shoreline 11.16.25. This cordgrass species is native along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts.

This is a very important species within its ecosystem and is considered an "ecosystem engineer" as it can shape the structure of said ecosystem.

This marshes grass is very adaptable, surviving and thriving in a variety of changing conditions such as varying pH levels, flooding and higher salinity. It has glands that are able to excrete excess salt.

It grows and spreads quickly and can do it without human control via it's seeds and rhizomes. In places that it has been introduced to it can become invasive, outcompeting native species.

The roots and grass act as a filter and remove pollutants from the water using a process called phytoremediation. It can remove excess nitrogen from the tidal waters and also removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the rich marsh sediment creating a carbon sink through photosynthesis. The roots also stabilize the soil and creates a protective barrier along the shore to absorb wave action from storms and hurricanes.

The cordgrass is a haven for many species that live in or are just passing through the marsh. From healthy, living blades and seeds, to dead and decaying plants, the cords grass lends nutrients and shelter to a vast variety of species.

#saltmarshcordgrass #spartinaalterniflora #citizenscience #native #smoothcordgrass #cordgrass #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #november #november18 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day322

Week 45 Observations

Great Spreadwing

Archilestes grandis

Observed 11.4.25 at Ft Worth Zoo in the pollinator garden. This native species is the largest damselfly in North America.

I believe this is a male with its blue eyes and face. The females paler blue or brown eyes.

Originally found in the Southern US states this species range has now grown and there have been sightings in Canada.

When the females are ready to lay eggs they will cut a slit in aquatic vegetation in which to lay them. The nymphs will drop into the water source below.

When startled, spreading will usually come back to the same perch.

#greatspreadwing #Archilestesgrandis #citizenscience #native #damselfly #insect #nature #outdoors #november #november5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day309

11.6.25

Hairy Bracket

Trametes villosa

Observed 11.4.25 at the zoo growing on a possible type of juniper tree fence post. This species of fungus is native to the area.

The large pores distinguish it from other Trametes species. It also resembles turkey tail but it tough and leathery making it inedible.

This species of mushroom grows on dead and decaying wood, in particular juniper wood. It excretes enzymes that break down the dead wood which then puts back healthy nutrients into the ecosystem. This process is being studied for uses like soil remediation, converting agro-industrial residue into useful biofuel, treatment of wastewater, bleaching capabilities instead of chemical bleach and more.

#hairybracket #Trametesvillosa #citizenscience #bracketmushroom #native #mushroom #fungus #nature #outdoors #november #november6 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day310

11.7.25

Elegant Zinnia

Zinnia elegans

Observed 11.7.25 in Cleburne. This is a non-native annual flower that was introduced from Mexico in the 1800s.

They thrive in full sun and tolerate heat and dry spells well. They grow quickly from large seeds, germinating within days. They also attract all sorts of pollinators.

When Spaniards first came across them they called them "mal de ojos" or "sickness of the eyes". Yet Frida Kahlo enjoyed them and used them in her art and also in her gardens.

#elegantzinnia #Zinniaelegans #citizenscience #nonnative #flower #annual #nature #outdoors #November #november7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day311

11.8.25

Admirable Grasshopper

Syrbula admirabilis

Observed 11.8.25 at my mom's house in Cleburne. This native grasshopper is found across Central and North America.

The males and females look very different. Females are larger, bright green, and have a wavy pattern (crenulate) on their forewings. Males are smaller and usually dark brown. They both have slanted faces.

Unlike the males, females don't fly well and will usually jump to escape.

They eat stems and leaves with their mandibles like other grasshopper species. They will rub their forewings and hind legs together to make a rasping sound used to attract mates. This is called stridulation and the sound is produced when a peg on the leg is rubbed across a raised vein in the wing. Kind of like using your finger on a comb to make noise.

#admirablegrasshopper #Syrbulaadmirabilis #citizenscience #native #grasshopper #insect #nature #outdoors #November #november8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day312

11.9.25

Gomphrena Weed

Gomphrena serrata

Observed 11.9.25 at home. It is considered a native plant in the Galveston area with an original native range in Central and South America.

This drought tolerant ground cover plant is hardy and can grow in a variety of soil and environmental conditions.

It attracts pollinators and can last long after being cut by retaining theor shape and color.

It was given a Spanish nickname "arrasa con todo" which translates to "destroys everything". It is thought to be related to it's medicinal properties and the variety of ailments that it has historically been used to treat.

#gomphrenaweed #Gomphrenaserrata #citizenscience #native #groundcover #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #november #november9 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day313

11.10.25

Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora

Observed in my mom's neighborhood in Cleburne 11.7.25. This species is native to west Texas and Northern Mexico but has been cultivated in other areas like this plant.

Despite its name, this plant is not a Yucca or an aloe. The leaves are not sharp like a true Yucca which makes it good for gardens. It is toxic to humans and pets though hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers for the nectar.

It is very drought tolerant and requires little maintenance once established. The leaves can store water which helps it thrive in high heat areas like the desert.

Historically, Native Americans have used the leaves to make rope and cords. Currently, it is being looked at for possible paper making by producing a pulp from the leaves.

#redyucca #hesperaloeparviflora #citizenscience #nonnative #cultivated #flora #plant #nature #outdoors #november #november10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day314

11.11.25

Bird Hover Fly

Eupeodes volucris

Observed 11.7.25 in my mom's neighborhood. This native species it found inhabiting a variety of environments across North America.

Adults mimic bees and feed on the nectar and pollen of flower to sustain themselves in the 3-4 weeks until they die. They also like people for our sweat and the water that comes with it though they are completely harnless to humans.

In the short time they have, they find mates and the females will hover over plants to inspect them for aphid larvae infestation. They are able to produce about 7 generations in their breeding season.

Their larvae hunt plant sucking insects, such as aphids, and voraciously consume over 400 in their lifetime. This makes them a natural pest control for gardens and more.

#birdhoverfly #Eupeodesvolucris #citizenscience #native #largetailedaphideater #hoverfly #fly #insect #nature #outdoors #november #november11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day315

Week 44 Observations

10.29.25

Common Green Darner

Anax junius

Observed 10.29.25 at Galveston Island State Park. This dragonfly species is native to the US and southern Canada. They are most commonly seen in Texas during their fall migration south. They like areas with still or slow moving water, fresh or brackish, making Galveston marshes a suitable place to live.

Their heads and thoraxes are green. Males have a blue abdomen while females have a brown and yellow abdomen. This is the only darner species known to lay their eggs while the pair are still joined together. They are fast and agile at flying and can reach 25-35 mph. They hunt and snag other insects out of the air while flying. Insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, flies, or other dragonflies. This hunting technique earned them the nickname “hawkers”.

The adults only live for 4-7 weeks but their aquatic larvae can live for a few years. They feed on tadpoles, small fish, mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects. They use a “spring loaded lower lip” to capture food.

There can be both resident and migratory populations in the area. The ones that migrate are multi-generational and can travel thousands of miles. These individuals will travel north in the spring, there they will breed and die. Then the offspring, when ready, will travel back south in the fall, restarting the migration north with the next generation.

#commongreendarner #anaxjunius #citizenscience #native #dragonfly #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october29 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day302

10.30.25

Groundsel Tree

Baccharis halimifolia

Observed 10.30.25 at Galveston Island State Park. It is a native coastal plant that ranges from Massachusetts to Texas.

This plant has adapted to thrive in coastal marshes, dunes, and sandy areas. They make a good plant to use to help stabilize the shorelines which adds protection for when big storms come through.

Male and female plants are separate and depend on the wind and pollinators to move pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. Once there the seeds can grow. A single plant can produce anywhere from 1.5 million seeds in a single season! The seeds then get carried away by water or wind to land in a spot to grow. Needing just sunlight to germinate this plant can become invasive in other nonnative areas.

Historically, it has been used to treat kidney inflammation, fevers, and flu like symptoms In Louisiana and by Native Americans.

#groundseltree #baccharishalimifolia #citizenscience #native #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #october #october30 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day303

10.31.25

Gulf Coast Tick

Amblyomma maculatum

Observed this native tick crawling up my leg in Galveston Island State Park. This species is found from southeastern US down to South America. Their range has expanded due to being very adaptable to a variety of habitats and as well as following the expansion of their host species. Unlike other tick species, this one can survive in wet or dry environments.

This is a male, females are slightly bigger with less of a pattern. Adults are the average size of 6mm.

It is a vector for diseases such as an infectious bacteria called Rickettsia parkeri which is transmitted by the saliva of the tick.

The life stages include: egg, larvae, nymph, adult with each one depending on a different host. Once the eggs hatch the larvae wait for birds or small mammals to pick them up as they wait on vegetation. At this point the larvae have six legs until they drop off and molt. The nymph will then get on another host similar to one a larva would choose and stay until it is time to fall off and molt to an adult with 8 legs. Adults can find larger mammals to feed on. Here the makes will stay on the host and mate with multiple females. The females will feed a final time before laying her eggs. She will find a shelter location to lay a clutch of about 10,000 eggs. The more blood she consumed the more eggs she can lay. She dies right after.

#gulfcoasttick #Amblyommamaculatum #citizenscience #native #tick #arachnids #nature #outdoors #october #october31 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day304

11.1.25

Narrowleaf Sunflower

(Helianthus angustifolius)

Observed 10.29.25 at Galveston Island State Park. This summer flower pieces is native to the Texas coast and up along the Atlantic coast states to Long Island. It is primarily found in coastal habitats but has been seen as far inland as Missouri.

It can survive in many different areas but thrive in full sun and moist soil.

It is a late season bloomer that plays an important part in the ecosystem. They provide protein to deer that eat the leaves and stems. Song birds feed on the seeds and pollinators like butterflies and bees drink it's nectar.

#narrowleafsunflower #Helianthusangustifolius #citizenscience #native #sunflower #wildflower #flora #nature #outdoors #November #November #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day305

11.2.24

Montezuma baldcypress

Taxodium mucronatum

Observed in North Richland Hills 11.1.25. This is not native to North Central Texas but is ornamentally used in the area. They range natively in South Texas and Mexico.

I believe it to be this species instead of the bald cypress though they are closely related. The Montezuma cypress tree doesn’t grow “knees” which are the vertical roots that the bald cypress is known to grow.

They grow quickly and are one of the most stouter trees with trunks reaching over 35 ft in diameter. It is Mexico’s state tree and they have The Árbol del Tule of Oaxaca, Mexico that is estimated to be over 2,000 years old, is 125 ft tall, and has a circumference over 150 ft.

They thrive along river banks but can withstand the heat of the metroplex. In the south it is an evergreen but the more northern it is found the more it becomes deciduous with the leaves turning brown and dropping.

This species has male and female reproductive systems on a single plant. The male cones release pollen that the wind will move to the female cones. Once the female cones is mature it will crack open and release the seeds. If conditions are just right, the seeds will germinate soon after falling from the tree. They do not stay viable long.

Historically, the Aztecs used the resin, leaves, bark, and smoke from the tree to treat a large variety of ailments.

#Montezumacypress #Taxodiummucronatum #citizenscience #nonnative #tree #baldcypress #flora #november #november2 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day306

11.3.25

Miniature Donkey

Equus africanus asinus/Equus asinus

Observed 11.3.25 in Cressen at my equine therapy session. All donkeys come from the wild African ass. Both domestic and wild populations are nonnative. They were introduced from Northern Africa by colonists. Miniature donkeys originated from Sardinia and Sicily. Domestic donkeys have been around for the last 5000-6000 years!

Their long ears not only help them hear well but also aids in cooling their blood down when overheating. Their hooves are small and cupped making climbing rocky or steep slopes easily manageable.

They will assess a situation or area for danger before making a move. This has been mistaken for stubbornness but is self preservation. They are known to be protective. Donkey kept clearing the barn cats out of our area and he spends the nights in the pen with the mini horses to protect them.

Donkeys are incredibly intelligent with great memories. It had been 9 months since I saw Donkey and he greeted me with a very loud bray. They use their bray to communicate and it can be heard from great distances. Donkeys form very strong bonds with others, including humans. My bond with Donkey formed immediately upon meeting him. He remembers me each time I come back. He does not (usually) run off if a session is rife with big feelings but he will turn away and back into me, protecting himself and comforting me at the same time. He also senses if I’m holding something big back and will paw the ground until I let it out.

#miniaturedonkey #Equusafricanusasinus #Equusasinus #citizenscience #donkey #equine #nonnative #domestic #mammal #nature #outdoors #november #november3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day307

11.4.25

Rothschild Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi

Observed 11.4.25 at the Ft. Worth Zoo. This is a subspecies of the Northern Giraffe with populations mainly in the Kenya and Ugandan regions. With only about 1500 wild individuals conservation of this endangered species is so important. One of their biggest threats is poaching. Many live on wild preserves but because of the danger having individuals in protected and conservation minded places is critical.

It is one of the bigger giraffe species that can grow to about 19 ft tall and weigh anywhere from 1800 to 2500 lbs! Giraffes are made for powerful kicks, speed, and agility to protect themselves from predators. They also rely on their amazing eye sight, hearing and sense of smell using all of their senses to stay alert to their surroundings.

They are related to okapis and deer but they split from a common ancestral species about 11.5 million years. As their necks evolved by growing out of necessity their body had to change as well. Surprisingly, they only have 7 vertebrae in their neck, just like humans.

They stay in small herds and are tolerant of other species hanging around as long as they don’t feel threatened. The males and females will be separate from each other but stay close together. They will only interact what they mate with can be all year long. After a male has proven through a neck battle that they are worthy a female will mate with him. She will deliver a single calf about 15 months.

#rothschildgiraffe #Giraffacamelopardalisrothschildi #citizenscience #nonnative #giraffe #endangeredspecies #conservation #education #zoo#nature #outdoors #november #november4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day308

Week 43 Observations

10.22.25

Great Southern White Butterfly

Ascia monuste

Observed 10.22.25 on the Swail Trail at Galveston Island State Park. This native butterfly species is commonly found along the Gulf coast states down to Argentina.

The caterpillars feed on plants in the mustard and caper families. This includes cabbage and radish crops giving them the nickname cabbage caterpillars. They can also become pests in these areas due to their preferred tastes.

They can wander in warmer months and end up further north with large emigrations that can colonize a new territory.

I believe this is a male due to the pale coloring on the wings. Females can be smokey gray to off-white. They both have distinctive blue tipped antennae.

#greatsouthernwhitebutterfly #asciamonuste #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october22 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day295

10.23.25

Spooky season indeed 😩

Long-bodied Cellar Spider

Pholcus phalangioides

Unfortunately, observed 10.23.25 in a closet at Galveston Island State Park HQ. It has been introduced globally by stupid people from tropical regions. They prefer low light, warm, quiet areas like closets and other man made structures.

This species can be confused with a harvestman or daddy long legs as most people know it but the cellar spider is a true spider while the other is not.

Contrary to popular belief, their fangs are too small to inject any of their venom effectively and are considered harmless to humans.

The females carry the eggs her jaws to protect them from predators 🤢 and once hatched the spiderlings may spend extra time close by mom.

They feed on other spiders including dangerous species but can also fall victim to other spider species. Just no, no thank you

#longbodiedcellarspider #Pholcusphalangioides #citizenscience #introduced #nonnative #cosmopolitan #spider #nature #october #october23 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day296

I may or may not be a little biased when it comes to 8 legged freaks creeps.

10.24.25

Chinstrap Penguin

Pygoscelis antarcticus

Observed at Moody Gardens 10.30.25. This species is found mostly on the Antarctica Peninsula and surrounding southern islands. With the population increasing it is of least concern on the IUCN list. The magic of places that care for animals in captivity and do it ethically allow us to learn and fall in love with species we’d probably never be able to imagine ourselves.

The can be aggressive and ill tempered especially during mating season. They have such high pitched, shrill vocals that they’ve earned the name “stonecracker penguins”.

They make their nests out of stones and each parent takes care of the eggs.

They will slide across the ice on the bellies and this is called “tobogganing”. When they get too warm they will snack on snow to cool down. They mainly feed on krill but will also feed on crustaceans and small fish.

#chinstrappenguin #Pygoscelisantarcticus #citizenscience #nonnative #penguin #bird #flightlessbird #aquarium #conservation #education #nature #october #october24 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day297

10.25.25

Southern Annual Saltmarsh Aster

Symphyotrichum divaricatum

Observed 10.25.25 at Galveston Island State Park. This native aster species has adapted to thrive in coastal areas along the eastern and southern US and Mexico.

It has thin, straggly stems and can grow from 4 inches to over 6 feet depending on conditions.

This wildflower blooms from July and November creating plenty of nectar and pollen for late season pollinators.

It is a host plant for the larvae of Silvery Checkerspot butterfly being a source of food for them.

In 2005, it was reclassified as its own species from Symphyotrichum subulatum.

#southernannualsaltmarshaster #Symphyotrichumdivaricatum #citizenscience #native #wildflowers #flora #nature #outdoors #october #october25 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day298

10.26.25

Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito

Aedes sollicitans

Observed 10.26.25 Galveston Island. This species of mosquito is native to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

They are distinguished from other species by the white bands on their legs and proboscis.

They are most active at twilight but can be just as aggressive during the day especially when disturbed. They can fly 20-50 miles to find a host, preferably a mammal.

The females lay the eggs just above the tide line in coastal marshes. When it rains or high tide comes in the eggs can hatch within minutes of becoming inundated. That is why we see an influx of mosquitoes after storms. They have an extremely fast life cycle going from egg to adult in about a week. Adult males feed on nectar and live about a week and the females while also getting nutrients from nectar must feed on blood to promote egg production.

In the past, the populations were causing tourism to suffer in some coastal communities and measures were taken to control infestations. They drained the marshes and then used petroleum products to suffocate the larvae. Those measures are not taken today due to the effects it would have on so many other species living in the marshes but larvicides and drainage ditches to eliminate standing water are go-to solutions.

This species is a vector for diseases such as dog heartworm and eastern equine encephalitis.

#easternsaltmarshmosquito #Aedessollicitans #citizenscience #native #mosquito #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day299

10.27.25

Striped Tiger Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo

Observed 10.27.25 at home. Though these are cultivated hybrid pumpkins the ancestors to modern pumpkins is thought to come from Central America dating back 10,000 years.

This pumpkin hybrid is small and is popular for both decoration and food. It is said to have a sweet, nutty flavor and the skin is edible as well but may be tough.

Due to their smaller size they’re perfect to use as soup bowls.

They grow easily from seeds and are in the same family with squash and gourdes.

#stripedtigerpumpkin #Cucurbitapepo #citizenscience #nonnative #pumpkin #cultivated #hybrid #nature #outdoors #october #october27 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day300

10.28.25

Blue-eyed Ensign Wasp

Evania appendigaster

Observed 10.13.25 in a house downtown Galveston. Their native range is unknown but thought to from Asia.

They are most common in urban areas including homes like where I saw this one. This is because they rely on the presence of cockroaches. This wasp searches for roach egg cases and then injects her own egg inside. Her larvae will feed on all the roach eggs in the case and then pupate there. Once they emerge as adults they like to feed on nectar.

Though the origin of the species is unknown it plays an important role in pest control. They are harmless to humans and are beneficial to have around!

They are about 1-1.5cm long. I thought this was a baby cricket til I got closer.

#blueeyedensignwasp #Evaniaappendigaster #citizenscience #nonnative #introduced #ensignwasp #wasp #insect #nature #october #october28 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day301

Week 42 Observations

10.15.25

Black-handed Spider Monkey

Ateles geoffroyi

Observed 10.15.25. These two were someone’s pets but this species is natively from Central America.

They are very agile creatures that hang from trees and can make precise jumps through the trees using their stereoscopic vision (just like us) and their prehensile tail that is used like a 5 limb. They don’t have thumbs except for vestigial ones that help grip branches.

They are very social and live in groups of up to 40 members. They will break into smaller groups that are led by females to forage for food. They are very intelligent as well and can remember and identify different types of fruit and where to find them. If they feel threatened they communicate it by screams or barks and may even throw things.

They are important members of their environment because of the fruit they eat. They gather, eat and then move about the forest dispersing seeds with their waste. This helps maintain a healthy balance to the tropical forests.

It brought a little joy seeing these monkeys while at work but this species is endangered and it is very hard to have them as pets and is not recommended. They face threats from human activity like hunting and deforestation.

#blackhandedspidermonkey #atelesgeoffroyi #citizenscience #nonnative #primates #spidermonkey #education #endangeredspecies #nature #outdoors #october #october15 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day288

10.16.25

Gray Wall Jumping Spider

Menemerus bivittatus

Unfortunately, observed 10.13.25 at home. This pantropical species was introduced to the southern US and is not unfortunately commonly found in these areas.

They exhibit dimorphism between the males and females. This is a female which are slightly larger than males. The males also are darker with a dark stripe in the middle of their abdomen. Yes, I looked at pictures of both sexes to determine this.

They do not use webs to ensnare food but instead stalk and jump to ambush their prey. They will also steal dead insects from ants. They have 8 eyes with 2 very large forward facing ones which helps when hunting. They are able to jump up to 50 times the length of their body due to a specialized blood pressure system and muscles.

They can usually be found on the walls of man made structures (like the stairwell to my apartment) or tree trunks. Apparently, some consider them beneficial to have around because they will eat common pests like small roaches and mosquitoes.

Now, on a personal note, I would say that not only photographing but also learning about 2 species of spiders is plenty and you should all be proud of me and buy me cookies.

#graywalljumpingspider #menemerusbivittatus #citizenscience #nonnative #spider #arachnid #nature #outdoors #october #october16 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day289

10.17.25

Cotton Rosemallow

Hibiscus mutabilis

Observed 10.13.25 downtown Galveston Island. It is introduced from China and thrives in our humid climate. It does so well that it is found on every continent except for Antarctica making it cosmopolitan.

Historically, the Chinese have used the leaves and flowers to make poultices to treat skin ailments such as infections, wounds or burns.

It has a single day bloom that changes throughout the day. It starts white, becomes pink in the afternoon, and ends as red before wilting. In Korea, they view this quick bloom as a symbol to seize opportunities.

It may die back to the ground it colder climates but come spring can grow back from the roots with vigor. Some use the bark to create rope and cords.

The showy flowers attract a variety of pollinators for its pollen and nectar. In late summer and fall it provides a good source of food for these creatures.

#cottonrosemallow #hibiscusmutabilis #citizenscience #nonnative #cosmopolitan #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #october #october17 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day290

10.18.25

Juniper Stink Bug

Banasa euchlora

Observed this native species of stink bug in the stairwell at my home 10.18.25.

Adults are this jade green with yellow dots and are on average 10mm long. The young nymphs are sometimes confused with ladybugs because of the spots on their shoulders. The nymphs will molt about 5 times before adulthood.

They are usually found feeding on juniper plants like the eastern redcedar. Their coloring helps them blend right in. The adults and nymphs pierce the plant surface to suck out juices when feeding.

They do not make noise to communicate to one another but instead use their abdomens to vibrate plants to signal others. When threatened they release a foul smell to ward off would be predators.

They can be commonly found overwintering indoors, slowing down their metabolism way down to conserve reserves during this time.

#juniperstinkbug #banasaeuchlora #citizenscience #native #stinkbug #bug #insect #noninvasive #nature #outdoors #october #october18 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day291

10.19.25

Bengal Trumpet Vine

Thunbergia grandiflora

Observed this nonnative vine in downtown Galveston 10.13.25. This species has been cultivated from India in other tropical and subtropical areas like Galveston.

This species of trumpet vine will have the most blooms happening in winter. The blooms are stimulated by the shorter days. They can also be found blooming year round and are quite hardy. It can become invasive due to how aggressively it can grow, smothering native species. The root system can weigh up to 150 pounds causing structural damage and continues to sprout when cut back.

After the flowers have bloomed, seed pods will disperse seeds by ejecting them several meters. Rain or other water sources can help spread the seeds.

The leaves, roots, sap and flowers have all been used medicinally to treat pain, urinary issues, antidote for venom (though not scientifically proven), eye issues, menstrual cramps, and more with antimicrobial, antioxidant and detoxification properties.

#bengaltrumpetvine #thunbergiagrandiflora #citizenscience #nonnative #vine #flora #nature #outdoors #october #october19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day292

10.20.25

Cownose Ray

Rhinoptera bonasus

Observed at Moody Gardens 10.20.25. This species is native to the eastern seaboard of the US and the Gulf of Mexico, mainly found in the shallow coastal waters. I actually saw a school of them riding the waves many years ago when I was at the beach. They migrate south in the fall and north in the spring and usually travel in massive schools of 10,000 rays called a fever.

For protection, they have to barbs on their tail that contain nonfatal venom. They also have a type of camouflage called countershading where the top of their body is dark and the bottom half is light. This makes it more difficult to be seen from above and below by predators. They can jump out of the water which may help remove parasites or it could be a territorial move.

Their mouth in position on the bottom of their body because they feed on the ocean floor, using their nose lobes to dig for food and will even flap their “wings” to create a depression where prey may be buried. They feed on mollusks and crustaceans using the plates in their mouth instead of teeth to grind the food.

Females birth a single pup, usually per year. The pup takes 11 months to fully form and comes out able to swim completely independently from mom.

#cownoseray #rhinopterabonasus #citizenscience #native #stingray #fish #education #aquarium #nature #october #october20 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day293

10.21.25

Slate Pencil Urchin

Eucidaris tribuloides

Observed 10.20.25 at Moody Gardens. It is found natively from Brazil to North Carolina, including the Gulf of Mexico.

They are nocturnal creatures and in the wild will use their spines to lodge themselves into crevices during the day.

They feed at night, using their spines and tube feet to move across the sandy bottoms, feeding mostly on algae but also sponges and other small invertebrates. They keep algae growth under control in their habitat which plays an important role in the overall health of the ecosystem.

They spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column with fertilization happening there. Sometimes peak spawning will happen when the moon is full. Their larvae will spend two years in this stage until becoming an adult.

#slatepencilurchin #Eucidaristribuloides #citizenscience #native #invertebrate #nature #education #aquarium #october #october21 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day294

Week 41 Ovservations

10.8.25

Long-tailed Skipper Butterfly

Urbanus proteus

Observed this native butterfly on the Heritage Trail of Galveston Island State Park 10.3.25.

Females lay their eggs on pea and bean plants. Their larvae will stay on the host plants and use leaves and silk they produce to make safe nests for themselves. If threatened the caterpillars can fling their feces to distract predators.

The adults are brown with green - green/blue iridescence on the wings and body. The iridescence is not pigment but instead there are scales that refract light for that color. I have pictured those scales here!

They get their name from their long “tails” and they will hop or skip from flower to flower. They drink nectar and help with pollination.

#longtailedskipper #Urbanusproteus #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day281

10.9.25

Ceraunus Blue Butterfly

Hemiargus ceraunus

Observed the native butterfly on the swail trail at Galveston Island State Park 10.9.25.

They are common in the southern US and can be spotted year round in warmer climates. The like a variety of habitats that can include, fields, dunes, woodlands and more.

They feed on a variety of plants for the nectar and help with pollination. They lay their eggs on hosts plants in the pea family like indigo and partridge pea plants both of which are found on the swail trail.

#ceraunusblue #Hemiargusceraunus #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #october #october9 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day182

10.10.25

Dot-lined Wave Moth

Idaea tacturata

Observed this native moth species 10.10.25 on the door to Galveston Island State Park HQ. It is commonly found in the southeastern US. Francis Walker first described this species in 1861!

Like most moths, this species does most of it’s feeding, mating, and flying after the sun starts to set.

Their larvae feed mostly on clover species and the adults likely feed on a variety of flowers for their nectar though not enough observations have happened to say for sure.

#dotlinedwavemoth #idaeatacturata #citizenscience #native #moth #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #picoftheday283

10.11.24

Blackberry Looper Moth

Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria

Observed this native moth species 10.1.25 in the breezeway at Galveston Island State Park.

They have multiple generations per year with adults showing up from spring to fall.

The adults drink nectar and help with pollination. Their larvae feed on a variety of plants including blackberries, aster petals, leaves from some trees. One of the trees in particular, oak, they will eat the leaves in fall and the waste from the caterpillars help fertilize the trees in the spring.

Their larvae move in a “looping” motion to get around and can make themselves look like sticks when threatened. The adults live in leafy habitats that help camouflage them with their pale green wings.

#blackberryloopermoth #chlorochlamyschloroleucaria #citizenscience #native #moth #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #picoftheday284

10.12.25

Fire-flag Plume Moth

Sphenarches anisodactylus

Observed this native moth species at Galveston Island State Park HQ 10.1.25. It can be found most everywhere except Antarctica and is considered to be a cosmopolitan species. Because of this there are some apps like iNaturalist that list it as native to my area.

When at rest, plume moths fold in their wings to camouflage themselves to look like sticks or pieces of dried grass.

Adult moths feed on plants like hummingbird sage and coyote mint for the nectar. They can also enjoy geraniums to the point they become pests to gardeners while other plume moth species help manage invasive plants.

#fireflagplumemoth #sphenarchesanisodactylus #citizenscience #cosmopolitan #native #moth #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #picoftheday285

10.13.25

Little Yellow Butterfly

Pyrisitia lisa

Observed this native butterfly species 10.10.25 on the Swail Trail at Galveston Island State Park. They can not tolerate cold well so they will migrate south and have to recolonize their northern populations each spring.

The Swail Trail and other trails in the park have the plants that both stages of the butterfly feed on. Adults strictly drink nectar, favoring asters, sunflowers, and goldenrods. Their larvae feed on legume leaves liking in particular the partridge pea.

They have a unique behavior called puddling where they will gather at mud puddles for the minerals and moisture. This can also help them with finding a mate. The males will look for a female and once interested in one it will touch her with his wings and legs.

#littleyellowbutterfly #pyrisitialisa #citizenscience #native #butterfly #insect #Nature #outdoors #october #october13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day286

10.14.25

Eggplant Leafroller Moth

Lineodes integra

Observed this native moth species 10.10.25 at home on Galveston Island. They are found throughout southern US down to Chile.

This moth species camouflages itself when at rest by curling its abdomen up to its head (as pictured). It can make it look like a dead leaf (I thought it was a piece of dried grasses blown on the wall by the landscapers. They are small with a wingspan less than 2cm.

They have larvae that are active from spring to fall. They are considered pests in agricultural areas because they feed on nightshades such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. They will roll leaves up to eat. When ready to pupate they will web leaves together or be found in a rolled up leaf.

#eggplantleafrollermoth #lineodesintegra #citizenscience #native #moth #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october14 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day287

#citizen science #nature #outdoors #native #insect #butterfly #long tailed skipper #ceraunus blue butterfly #dot lined wave moth #moth #blackberry looper moth #fire flag plume moth #cosmopolitan #little yellow butterfly #eggplant leafroller moth

Week 40 Observations

In honor of Jane Goodall (4/3/1934 - 10/1/2025)

Chimpanzee

Pan troglodytes

Observed at the Ft Worth Zoo. They are natively found in Central and Western Africa in habitats such as tropical, mountain, and low-altitude forests. The ones that live in zoos (hopefully ethical zoos) play a vital role in education, conservation, and research of the species but also our species having at least 95% shared DNA! They are listed as endangered with wild populations shrinking due to people demolishing their habitats, hunting them, and keeping them as pets.

Chimps live in troops with 15-120 members but day travel in smaller groups. They form strong maternal bonds that often last a lifetime.

In their forest, they primarily eat fruit but have been known to also eat seeds, insects, meat, and leaves. They have even been observed eating plants for their medicinal properties!

Young chimps have been observed using sticks as tools to spear or extract food.

They nest in the tree by making a mat of branches and will create a new nest daily.

Chimps use many methods of communication (just like people) that include grooming, vocalizations, kissing, facial expressions, and body language.

#chimpanzee #pantroglodytes #citizenscience #chimps #mammal #animal #fauna #zoo #conservation #education #nature #outdoors #october #october1 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day274

10.2.25

Toltec Scoliid Wasp

Dielis tolteca

Observed on the bayside prairie of Galveston Island State Park 10.2.25. This species of hairy wasp is native to southwestern US including Texas though Galveston is just outside its native range.

I believe this is a male which does not have a stinger and has 4-5 yellow bands on the abdomen whereas the females have stingers and usually have orange bands.

Though the females can sting if threatened they usually just use it to paralyze the beetle larvae they parasitize to lay their own eggs on. The females will find scarab beetle larvae in the soil to do this to. Her eggs will get its nutrients from the beetle larvae. This may seem mean but it actually helps their habitat stay balanced because most of the beetle species they use are considered agricultural pests.

They are also important pollinators and will favor plants in the goldenrod family. We’ve started seeing prairie goldenrod growing right next to the Lindheimer’s Doveweed pictured here.

#toltecscoliidwasp #Dielistolteca #citizenscience #wasp #nonnative #insect #pollinator #nature #outdoors #october #october2 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day175

10.3.25

Turk’s Cap

Malvaviscus arboreus

Observed 9.16.25 in a friend’s yard on Galveston Island. This is a native perennial shrub found along the southeastern coastal regions of the US and down into South America.

It is an adaptable plant that can grow in full sun while preferring shade. It can grow in different soils from sandy to clay and likes well-draining, moist ground.

The flowers look similar to a hibiscus but never fully open and the twisted petals look like a Turkish turban. Pollinators like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers and can even tear the flower’s base to get to the nectar.

The leaves and fruit it produces is edible. The fruit is ready to eat when it is ripe and red. It tastes like a sweet apple.

#turkscap #malvaviscusarboreus #citizenscience #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #october #october3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day276

10.4.25

Ligated Furrow Bee

Halictus ligatus

Observed 9.7.25 in Galveston Island State Park. This species of sweat bee is native to southeastern US including Galveston.

Being a sweat bee means they will land on people to drink our sweat. They are not picky and will feed on a big variety of flowers. This bee group is one of the few that can cause pollen to release but vibrating their flight muscles while on the flower.

The queen and worker bees live in nests that are in underground burrows. In spring, a single queen will start a nest and produces the workers. By late summer the colony begins producing new queens and males. These new queens, or gynes, overwinter to emerge in spring and start a new colony.

#ligatedfurrowbee #halictusligatus #citizenscience #native #bee #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day277

10.5.25

Late Boneset

Eupatorium serotinum

Observed 10.4.25 in Galveston Island State Park. This native to Texas perennial wildflower thrives in moist soil but grows in a variety of conditions.

The conditions of its environment affect its growth, under ideal circumstances it can grow to be 6ft tall but in drier areas or periods it doesn’t grow that high.

This species starts growing in late summer, and gives off a pleasant scent that attracts late season pollinators like monarch butterflies. The plant provides a food source for these pollinators and it produces a toxic alkaloid that monarchs can store in their bodies to make them unsavory to predators. Due to its toxicity it is not edible for humans and grazing animals find it unappealing.

Historically, some Native America tribes would boil the flowers to treat typhoid though it’s not used today due to the toxicity. Common boneset is not toxic and may be used medicinally.

#lateboneset #eupatoriumserotinum #citizenscience #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #october #october5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day278

10.6.25

Marsh Periwinkle

Littoraria irrorata

Observed 10.4.25 on the bayside of Galveston Island State Park. This sea snail is a native indicator species that plays an important role in the ecosystem here.

This snail is very sensitive to pollutants so they are used to measure the health of the marshes they live in.

They are usually found on species of cordgrass in the Spartina genus. One of the unique characteristics of this snail is that they farm their own fungi. By creating wounds on the cordgrass healthy fungi is able to grow and then be consumed by the snails.

Their feeding and waste production provides a nitrogen rich environment that the fungi uses to decompose the plant.

They move up and down the cordgrass along with the tides. Climbing high during high tide to avoid would be predators like crabs and lowering to the mud to feed on algae or dead plants during low tide. They can also withstand the summer heat by retracting their foot, sealing off their shell to prevent water loss.

#marshperiwinkle #littorariairrorata #citizenscience #native #indicatorspecies #snail #seasnail #mollusk #invertebrates #marsh #nature #outdoors #october #october6 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day279

10.7.25

Five-banded Thynnid Wasp

Myzinum quinquecinctum

Observed 10.5.25 at GalvestonIsland State Park HQ. This species is found throughout the eastern and central US including the Galveston area.

This is a male and is distinguished from the female by its long, dark antennae and the curved appendage (psuedostinger) that looks like a stinger but is actually used during mating. Females have an active stinger used when threatened and uses it like the Toltec Scoliid Wasp to parasitically use beetle larvae to nourish their own larvae. There is no need for a nest and they are solitary insects.

As adults they keeps pest populations down and have been observed doing buzz pollination by using their wing vibrations to cause pollen to release.

#fivebandedthynnidwasp #Myzinumquinquecinctum #citizenscience #native #wasp #insect #nature #outdoors #october #october7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day280

Week 39 Observations

9.24.25

Common Eastern Firefly

Photinus pyralis

Observed 9.24.25 on the fee booth on the bayside of Galveston Island State Park. It is natively found in Eastern US including the Galveston area. This species can usually be found from May to October. It is the most common firefly species in North America though it’s not as prominent as it once was due to development.

Fireflies are beetles and are related to ladybugs. Their larvae have long lives, living 1-2 years under bark or soil. They feed on snails, earthworms, and other insects. The adults have a very short lifespan of about 1-2 months with their main purpose being to reproduce. They can use their bioluminescence to attract mates.

The adults are poisonous if eaten and their light is also used to warn would be predators of this. The light organ, or lantern, creates a chemical reaction to produce the light. The chemicals combined are oxygen with luciferin and luciferase. Different species of fireflies can have different light flashes which can help identify the species.

#commoneasternfirefly #photinuspyralis #citizenscience #firefly #lightningbug #bug #insect #native #outdoors #september #september24 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day267

9.25.25

Blue Daze

Evolvulus glomeratus

Observed 9.16.25 in a friend’s yard on Galveston Island. It is a nonnative plant that thrives in the Texas heat but originates from the Brazil area of South America.

This true-blue perennial is drought tolerant and is a fairly low maintenance addition to any garden. It grows low to the ground in a mat that can suppress weeds from growing.

This species is known for its ornamental aspects and not used for medicinal purposes unlike other Evolvulus species.

#bluedaze #evolvulusglomeratus #citizenscience #nonnative #flower #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september25 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day268

9.26.27

Squareback Marsh Crab

Armases cinereum

Observed 9.24.25 in the breezeway of Galveston Island State Park. Its native range extends along the western Atlantic coast from Maryland to Mexico and includes the Gulf of Mexico.

The square shaped carapace distinguishes it from other crabs and along with the dark brown color, helps camouflage it in the marsh environment that it inhabits.

It is a semi-terrestrial crab species that lives above the high tide line. This crab feeds on leaves, insects, snails, and small fiddler crabs.

Males have larger claws than the females. They will defend their burrow by tapping sounds made by hitting their legs together.

#squarebackmarshcrab #armasescinereum #citizenscience #crab #invertebrate #native #nature #outdoors #september #september26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day269

9.27.25

Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad

Gastrophryne carolinensis

Observed at the headquarters of Galveston Island State Park 9.25.25. This species is native and endemic to the entire southeastern region of the US.

This species is most active at night and will live in burrows the dug in leaf litter or sandy soil. They can handle habitats with brackish water. Mating is triggered on warm nights after heavy rains then they begin calling for mates. They have a unique call that sounds like a sheep bleating. After eggs are layed they will hatch in 24-48 hours where they will feed on plankton and quickly grow into toadlets around 20-60 days.

The adults have special characteristics that enable them to eat ants and other insects. They can produce a mucus that is toxic to would be predators and it is protection against the ants they feed on. They also have a area of skin that folds forward to protect their eyes as they feast.

#easternnarrowmouthedtoad #gastrophrynecarolinensis #citizenscience #endemic #native #toad #amphibian #nature #outdoors #september #september27 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day270

9.28.25

Luxury Caps

Collybiopsis luxurians

I believe this is a cluster of luxury cap mushrooms observed 9.24.25 in the Pirate’s Beach area. It is a North American species that is usually found in east and central Texas but when the conditions are right, they can be found growing among wood debris. These were growing in a mulched landscape area.

This species grows in large numbers called “flushes” in clusters. The fruiting bodies grow in the summer and fall under favorable conditions. It is found growing in wooded areas including gardens with mulch. It is a decomposer that breaks down dead organic matter that then allows nutrients to cycle back into the environment.

There are many species of little brown mushrooms that look like one another and some can only be distinguished at the molecular level. If this is in fact luxury caps the spore print would be white. It is not usually eaten because of its bitter taste and is tough to chew.

#luxurycaps #collybiopsisluxurians #citizenscience #mushrooms #fungi #nonnative #nature #outdoors #september #september28 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #271

9.29.25

Brown-winged Striped Sweat Bee

Agapostemon splendens

Observed at Galveston Island State Park 9.27.25. This is a native species that can be found nesting in sandy soils. The females will overwinter in a solitary brood cells they create within the communal nest.

Only the females sting and only when threatened.

This species drink nectar and pollinates a variety of native plant species including some fruit crops. Goldenrods, wild roses and asters are a few of their favorites.

As a sweat bee, they are attracted to the salt in our sweat and will lick it but not bite.

#brownwingedstripedsweatbee #agapostemonsplendens #citizenscience #native #sweatbee #bee #insect #pollen #pollinator #september #september29 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day172

9.30.25

Slickseed Fuzzybean

Strophostyles leiosperma

Observed on Heritage Trail in Galveston Island State Park 9.27.25. This vining plant is native to Texas along with central and western US.

It grows along roadsides, woodlands, and sandy prairie habitats. Like other legume species, it helps improve the soil it grows in by adding healthy nitrogen back to the soil.

It attracts all kinds of pollinators to its flowers along with songbirds and mammals that eat the seeds and foliage.

The smooth, dark seeds grow in pods that are brown and fuzzy. The slickness of the seeds helps it detach from the plant and can travel more easily in water. The seeds can lay dormant for years in the soil and can germinate more easily if the skin of the seed is broken.

#slickseedfuzzybean #Strophostylesleiosperma #citizenscience #native #legume #plant #vine #september #september30 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day273

Week 38 Observations

9.17.25

Candelabra Bush

Senna alata

Observed this nonnative plant in Galveston 9.16.25. This species has been cultivated in Texas and throughout tropical regions but natively grows in northern South America.

It dies off when it starts getting cold but can grow back from seeds the following spring. Winged seeds grow in long, papery pods. The shape of the seeds helps it to spread via animals or water.

It has a nickname of “ringworm bush” because it has been used historically to treat ringworm as well as intestinal worms, diarrhea, and other issues.

#candelabrabush #Sennaalata #citizenscience #nonnative #flower #bush #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september17 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day260

9.18.25

Broad-tipped Conehead

Neoconocephalus triops

Observed on my front door step in Galveston 9.18.25. This is a native katydid species that is common across the southern US.

The short, wide cone on the top of its head is unique to this species and is called a fastigium.

In Texas, most species in this genus overwinter as eggs but this particular species will over winter as adults. They can also have two generations in one year.

They’re usually found hanging out in tall grasses and will mimic grass when frightened by diving head first into the grass.

Both sexes have wings and the males will use their wings to create a distinct song that can be heard from the ground up to the tops of trees. They are most active at night a couple hours after complete darkness. They are also attracted to artificial light.

#broadtippedconehead #Neoconocephalustriops #citizenscience #native #katydid #insects #nature #outdoors #september #september18 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day261

9.19.25

Firecracker Flower

Crossandra infundibuliformis

Observed this nonnative species in Galveston on 9.16.25. It originates from southern India and Sri Lanka but likes the heat and humidity here in Galveston. It can’t tolerate the cold but does well as a houseplant.

When the seed pods dry they can explode like a firecracker which forcefully scatters the seeds.

The unique looking flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

#firecrackerflower #Crossandrainfundibuliformis #citizenscience #nonnative #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day262

9.20.25

Ailanthus Webworm Moth

Atteva aurea

Observed on 9.7.25 on some plants on the Heritage Trail at the Galveston Island State Park. Over time, the native range of this species has spread to include Texas when it was limited to south Florida and the American Tropics. This was caused by the cultivation of the moth’s invasive host plant, Tree-of-Heaven. Each winter, the northern populations die off due to the cold but will be recolonized each spring.

Unlike most moth species, this one feed on nectar and flies during the day making them a pollinator for flowers. The adults look like beetles when they’re at rest and resemble wasps when they are flying.

Their larvae weave a silk web around a couple of leaves that forms a haven from predators. They do this on the host plant so they can safely eat. The caterpillars are greenish brown with white and green stripes on the sides.

#ailanthuswebwormmoth #attevaaurea #citizenscience #native #moth #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september20 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day263

9.21.25

Peppervine

Nekemias arborea

Observed this native species all along the Heritage Trail at Galveston Island State Park 9.20.25. Though it grows very rapidly and is considered a nuisance by some it is not an invasive species here in Texas.

It can get confused with poison ivy, but it has more leaflets that grow on each stem whereas poison ivy only has 3. Peppervine can cause skin irritation in people that have more sensitive skin. Throughout the seasons, it’s leaves go from dark purple to green to pale yellow or red.

Peppervine have small, green flowers that grow in the summer, and they attract all kinds of pollinators. Then the berries start to grow. They are pea-sized and go from green to shiny black once ripe. These berries contain calcium oxalate crystals, a compound that humans can not break down. The needle-like crystals get trapped in our digestive tissue causing immediate pain from your mouth to stomach. Unlike humans, songbirds, and other mammals, like deer, can eat the berries due to differences in their physiology. These animals have a good food source from this plant and will spread the seeds through their scat.

This plant would not make a good addition to your yard/garden or near any buildings because it is extremely reactive to fire. One reason for its flammability is how densely it grows causing a blanket of dried and dead leaf litter under the live plant.

#peppervine #nekemiasarborea #citizenscience #native #vine #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september21 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day264

9.22.25

Wishbone Flower

Torenia fournieri

Observed 9.16.25 in downtown Galveston. This annual plant is native to southeast Asia and was introduced in other regions because it is a popular ornamental choice for gardens.

The violet and gold flower is the color of the original species while the pink comes from modern cultivars along with yellow, rose, white and blue.

The two stamens in the center look like a chickens wishbone which is where the name comes from. Some see the wishbone as a symbol for luck and fortune and the plant is associated with a fresh start and happiness.

It does well in well-draining soil that is in the shade. The flowers wilt and drop off all on their own making it a “self-cleaning” plant.

#wishboneflower #toreniafournieri #citizenscience #flower #annual #nonnative #nature #outdoors #september #september22 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day265

9.23.25

Blue Longlegged Fly

Condylostylus mundus

Observed 9.16.25 at Galveston Island State Park. They are native to Texas in a range that includes North Carolina to Brazil.

It is a small insect that is about 1-9mm and unlike most insects, has no body hair.

They are a beneficial addition to their environment because they feed on pests like aphids and mites. They move quickly across leaves during the day, hunting for food.

Males are bright blue while females can be a metallic green. Males like to put on a display to attract females to mate with.

#bluelongleggedfly #Condylostylusmundus #citizenscience #native #longleggedfly #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september23 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day266

#citizen science #nature #outdoors #flora #nonnative #candelabra bush #broad-tipped conehead #katydid #native #insect #fauna #firecracker flower #ailanthus webworm moth #moth #peppervine #vine #wishbone flower #blue longlegged fly

Week 37 Observations

9.10.25

Lindheimer’s Doveweed

Croton lindheimeri

Observed this native species in Galveston Island State Park 9.10.25.

This plant gets its name from a Texas botanist, Ferdinand Lindheimer’s, from the 1800s.

Doves and other songbirds like to eat the seeds from this plant but is not a preferred food source other animals including deer and other livestock due to the bitterness of the plant.

The wooly appearance of the plant comes from the stellate which are star shaped hairs.

In a 2022 study it was found that this plant might be able to clean up contaminated soils due to its ability to isolate and absorb metals, like iron and strontium, from the soil.

#goatweed #Crotonlindheimeri #citizenscience #woolycroton #native #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day253

9.11.25

Pandora Sphinx Moth

Eumorpha pandorus

Observed on the live oak outside the nature center in the Galveston Island State Park 9.11.2025. This moth species is native to the area with a range encompassing the eastern North America down into south Texas and Florida.

The caterpillars start out green but can change to pink, orange, black, or brown with big white spots on their sides. Each spot surrounds a spiracle, or air opening. They are most active at night and hard to spot but will glow under UV light. When they are ready, they will pupate underground.

Adults fly from April to November. Like other species of sphinx moths, they have a large wingspan (about 3-4 inches) and a very long proboscis (tongue). They also have short life spans of only a couple weeks to reproduce. They are perfectly camouflaged to blend into their environment. At first, I thought this was just a leaf that the rain splattered to the side of the tree.

#pandorasphinx #eumporphapandorus #citizenscience #native #insect #moth #nature #outdoors #september #september11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day254

9.12.25

Osprey

(Pandion haliaetus)

Observed 9.10.25 on Stewart Rd on Galveston Island. This is a native hawk species that can be found in the area year-round while other populations migrate to South and Central America for winter.

They are the only hawk species of the North American continent that hunt and feed on live fish almost exclusively. Their diet has them populating areas with fresh or salt water – coastal estuaries, swamps, rivers, lakes, or the sea.

They are the only raptor to be able to bend their talons backwards so they can have two facing forward and two in reverse. They use their keen eyesight to spot fish in the water and use their feet to snag the fish out of the water.

They often will mate for life. Both partners will build the nest and will use the same nest year after year. Their nests are so large that sometimes small songbirds will build their nest on the sides of the Osprey’s nest.

Human activity has impacted the survival of these beautiful raptors.

#osprey #pandionhaliaetus #citizenscience #native #bird #birdofprey #fishhawk #nature #outdoors #september #september12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day255

9.13.25

Confused Medallion Lichen

Dirinaria confusa

Observed 9.10.25 on a tree by the Galveston Island State Park nature center. This native lichen is abundant in the southeast USand common in coastal areas, usually found growing on bark or wood.

The genus, dirinaria, has about 35 species of lichen. A few species, including this one, have a unique colored compound chemical marker. This and other chemical markers are used by scientists to study the evolution of the genus and to learn how different species are related.

Like the other lichen I’ve observed, this is made up of a fungus that attaches to a surface and an algae that creates food through photosynthesis.

It is an indicator species by absorbing air pollution that can be monitored in its growth.

#confusedmedallionlichen #Dirinariaconfusa #citizenscience #native #lichen #nature #outdoors #september #september13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day256

9.14.25

Mediterranean House Gecko

Hemidactylus turcicus

Observed this species on 9.11.25 by the Galveston Island State Park nature center. This species was introduced to the US from the Mediterranean region. Though they help control insect populations they are invasive because they can outcompete native species and have strong, self-sustaining populations.

They are most active at night, hunting for insects near artificial lights. They feed on spiders, moths and roaches, among others.

They use their long tongues to clean their eyes since they do not have eyelids. Their specialized toe pads enable them to climb on vertical surfaces and even hang upside down like on a porch ceiling. They can regrow their tail if needed but it won’t look the same as the original tail.

Their bones and translucent skin make them glow under UV light. Unlike other geckos, the Mediterranean House Gecko has high-pitched squeaks and chips they use when mating or getting territorial.

#mediterraneanhousegecko #hemidactylusturcicus #citizenscience #nonnative #invasive #introduced #gecko #lizard #reptile #nature #outdoors #september #september14 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day257

9.15.25

Nakedstem Dewflower

Murdannia nudiflora

Observed 9.15.25 in Webster, Texas. It is an incredibly invasive nonnative species that is from South Asia and the Western Pacific. It is consider the world’s worst weed due to its adaptability and how quickly it spreads and can root along its stem.

It has a grass like appearance when it is young giving it a chance to take root and spread when misidentified. The mat I saw today took up most of the grassy area I walked by. The plant can produce up to around 2000 seeds but needs sunlight to germinate.

The young tips and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. In its native range it has been used historically to treat ailments such as skin issues, asthma, and stomach upset.

Each flower only blooms for a few hours around noon before fading.

#nakedstemdewflower #Murdannianudiflora #citizenscience #doveweed #nonnative #invasive #weed #plant #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september15 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day258

9.16.25

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

Dione vanillae

Observed on Galveston Island 9.16.25. This butterfly species is native to Texas with resident populations in Galveston that can be found year round.

The caterpillars feed almost exclusively on passionflower leaves and retain the toxins from the plant throughout their whole life cycle. It also deters predators with its bright warning colors and can release a noxious smell from glands on their abdomen.

During mating the females are very picky so the males have to bring their A game. They release a pheromone from “hair pencils” on the males abdomen that acts as an aphrodisiac for the female. If she likes what she smells she will perch and allow the male to get closer to release even more of his scent.

The underside of their wings have silvery scales that have been studied and are similar to the Indigo Buntings feathers. The color comes from light reflecting on nanostructures instead of from pigment.

#gulffritillary #Dionevanillae #citizenscience #gulffritillarybutterfly #butterfly #native #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september16 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day259

Week 36 Observations

9.3.25

Porkfish

Anisotremus virginicus

Observed 8.21.25 in the aquarium at Rainforest Cafe on Galveston. This species of grunt fish is native to the waters of Brazil up to Florida including the Gulf of Mexico.

They grind their teeth that makes a pig-like grunting sound which is how they got their name. They use their swim bladders to make the grunts echo causing a sound that can scare off predators.

They live in and around rocky areas and shallows reefs. They feed on invertebrates on the sea floor with the aid of sensory pores on their chin.

Young porkfish are usually found acting as cleaners for larger fish, picking parasites off their scales. This behavior plays a part in keeping their habitat healthy.

They are a social fish species and can be found in schools. It’s a little sad that this guy was all by himself in the tank.

#porkfish #Anisotremusvirginicus #citizenscience #native #fish #grunt #saltwater #aquarium #nature #september #september3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day246

9.4.25

Traub’s Rain Lily

Zephyranthes traubii

Observed all along Stewart Road on Galveston Island 9.4.25. This perennial flower is native and endemic to Texas and northeastern Mexico, really thriving in coastal areas.

You can find these flowers blooming from bulbs after heavy rains from summer to fall. These bulbs, like other rain lily species, are poisonous to dogs and cats. They typically grow to about 9 inches tall and have white, fragrant flowers.

The genus name “Zephyranthes” translates to “flower of the west wind” based on the Greek God of the west wind, Zephyrus.

#traubsrainlily #Zephyranthestraubii #citizenscience #native #endemic #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day247

9.5.25

Robber Fly

Triorla interrupta

Observed on the Heritage Trail at Galveston Island State Park 9.4.25. Native to the southern US, including Galveston. They are the only species in the genus Triorla found in North America.

These insects are ambush predators that can be found in grassy fields and on trails, like this one. Out of over 1000 species in over 100 genera of robber flies in North America, this species is the dominant predator in this particular hunting ground habitat.

They will ambush and capture their prey in mid-flight and then inject a paralytic that liquifies the insides so that they can easily digest their food.

They will attack insects including but not limited to dragonflies, butterflies, moths, horse flies, bees and wasps. The last two being a preferred choice for their nutritional content.

#robberfly #Triorlainterrupta #citizenscience #native #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day248

9.6.25

American Pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

Observed this native herbaceous perennial on the Alligator Loop trail in Galveston Island State Park 6.13.25.

Except for the young shoots, this entire plant is toxic, especially the roots. In deep southern culture the young shoots are carefully prepared to make poke salad. The dark purple berries have been used for ink and dye.

Most animals steer clear of this toxic plant but a few species are able to handle the toxins. Songbirds, especially robins and cedar waxwings, eat the berries and help spread the seeds. Along with raccoons, foxes, and opossums. It also attracts pollinators with bright pink flowers.

This plant usually dies after the first fall cold snap but will grow back from its root crown the falling spring.

#americanpokeweed #Phytolaccaamericana #citizenscience #native #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september6 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day249

9.7.25

In honor of National Grandparents Day

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Observed 9.5.25 at Galveston Island State Park. Their native range encompasses southeastern Canada, down through the east and Midwest of the US, down as far as Guatemala and Belize. Both Texas and Missouri are included in this range.

Just like my Grandparents, these birds are monogamous and mate for life. Unlike other songs birds, both female and male cardinals sing to each other while courting and defending their territory.

The red plumage of the males comes from carotenoids in the berries and fruit that they eat. Their name comes from the distinctive red robes of the catholic church’s Cardinals. Every once in a while a yellow Northern Cardinal is spotted and this is a genetic mutation called xanthroism.

Their crest is used in similar ways as our eyebrows are, to show agitation or to make themselves look more appealing to a potential mate.

The Northern Cardinal is seen as a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and love. In some cultures it is believed that when a Cardinal appears it is a departed loved one bringing a message.

#northerncardinal #Cardinaliscardinalis #citizenscience #cardinals #birds #native #nature #outdoors #september #september7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day250

Most of my grandparents live(d) in Missouri and I’ve always thought of them whenever I see one. It is even more so now that a few have passed. I think the traits and characteristics embody all of my grandparents though and I’m so lucky to still have some in my life. I love you 💕 Grandma & Pa Wilson, Grandma & Pa Chase, and Grandad & Grandma Garber 💖

9.8.25

Western Giant Swallowtail

Heraclides rumiko

This native species was observed 9.7.25 at Galveston Island State Park and ranges from southwest US down to Central America. It can over lap with the Eastern Giant Swallowtail in Texas. The two species were thought of as one until 2014. A study of DNA and male genitalia helped separate the two species. I look at many guides and papers before deciding to go with the Western Giant Swallowtail.

The WGS lives in more open and dry environments while the EGS prefers forests. The warmer parts of the WGS range allows them to skip hibernation and produce more generations per year while the EGS in colder climates will overwinter as a chrysalis.

The larvae like citrus plants to feed on so farmers of groves for lemons and oranges consider them pests. The larvae also have a color that resembles bird poop and smell they use against predators.

#westerngiantswallowtail #heraclidesrumiko #citizenscience #native #giantswallowtail #butterfly #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september8 #2025 #picofthday #project365 #day251

9.9.25

Southern Emerald Moth

Synchlora frondaria

The moth was spotted a while back ago in the breezeway at Galveston Island State Park and the caterpillar was spotted on the heritage trail in the park 9.7.25. This species is native to the southern and eastern US including the Gulf coast states.

Adults look similar to the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth but the Southern Emerald has more jagged white lines on the wings. The caterpillars camouflage themselves with bits of plant they are feeding on, this is called decorative crypsis. In this case it used pieces of a Lindheimer’s Doveweed. It was very small and I’m surprised I spotted it in the first place!

They are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial lights. Their green color can fade to yellow over time.

#southernemeraldmoth #Synchlorafrondaria #citizenscience #native #insect #moth #nature #outdoors #september #september9 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day252

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