#sand prairie

[fenrislorsrai]

Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos) by Peter Paplanus Via Flickr: March 1st, 2020 High of 63 degrees Fahrenheit 61 degrees Fahrenheit at capture Shortly after finding a prairie kingsnake, my friend and I looked around some tin partially buried in the sand. To both our surprise, I was standing on the tail end of this snake. The day started as calm and sunny, but by the time this snake was observed it was cloudy and windy. An attempt to find animals in this area the following weekend was made when temperatures were 5 degrees warmer and with more sun, but only an eastern garter snake was observed. Scott County, Missouri

[curious-by-nature-ashandant]

A rare sight, yet common,  these are Slender Glass Lizards - Ophisaurus attenuatus, a species of legless lizard.Very fast in comparison to any endemic snake, these were observed in rural Will County Illinois, where we have found an established population of these elusive reptiles. Perhaps a dozen distinct specimens in and 2 acre area, roaming among the Prickly Pear Cacti in what is called a Sand Prairie. It is a beautiful area with a distinct variety of wildlife. Glass lizards are true lizards, and through evolution, their legs reduced and gradually became non-functional due to their movement and hunting style/habitat. One sure difference between them and snakes (besides their speed) is they have eyelids and can open and close their eyes, and ear holes like other lizards. Their bodies are approx. three quarters tail, which can break off when attacked or handled, and regrown later. Glass lizards have been documented to live an average of 4 years up to 30 years in ideal conditions. Photos are mine and may not be used without written permission.

[cedar-glade]

Flat-Topped AsterDoellingeria umbellata

[indefenseofplants]

Exploring a Sand Prairie

In this exciting episode, In Defense of Plants explores the fascinating botanical communities growing in a sand prairie in central Illinois. The unique soil conditions makes this place a hotbed for rare plants. Many of these species are disjuncts from further west. The story of this place began some 14,000 years ago as glacial outwash from the long gone Lake Chicago blew across the landscape and piled into great sand dunes. Join us for a fascinatingly beautiful botanical adventure. 

CORRECTION: The cactus is not Optuntia fragilis, it is actually the eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)... Woops!

[speakingofnature]

A Half-black Bumble Bee (Bombus vagans) was recently observed approaching a Large-flowered Beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus) at the Bearbower Sand Prairie. The bee carefully crawled well into the flower to collect the prized pollen, then slowly backed out and proceeded to the next flower.

[universalboundlessness]

Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia stricta) Sand Ridge State Forest Forest City, Il September 9th, 2017

[speakingofnature]

Although an alien, one plant I am always pleased to find when visiting sand prairies is the diminutive Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria). This unassuming little dianthus was spotted in the Eddyville Sand Prairie in Wapello County.

[indefenseofplants]

In Search of the Orange Fringed Orchid

In Defense of Plants is finally back for another exciting botanical adventure! This week we explore another wonderful sand prairie in search of one of North America's most stunning terrestrial orchids - the orange fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris). Along the way, we meet a handful of great native plant species that are at home in these sandy soils.

Music by:  Artist: Eyes Behind the Veil Track: Folding Chair Album: Besides https://eyesbehindtheveil.bandcamp.com/