Colorful Crawlies When we think of rainbows in nature, we think of spring showers or misty waterfalls or maybe even a prism.But this week we’re going to explore the ROY G. BIV of crawlies! All types of crawlies from the smallest wasps to big old wild turkeys rock a rainbow[Read More…]
Author: Christy Solo
Crawlies with Cri – Mayfly
Diphetor hageni MAYFLY This week’s crawly is a little mayfly with big eyes and a bunch of common names. Meet the Diphetor hageni mayfly AKA Hagen’s small minnow mayfly, iron blue quill, light blue dun or dark blue-winged olive. Whew! That’s a lot of nicknames for one teeny fellow.I say[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Fire-colored beetle
Fire-colored beetle (pictured is Genus Pedilus) Strap yourselves in because this week’s crawly takes wickedly weird up a notch! Meet the fire-colored beetle (pictured is Genus Pedilus).There are 50 species of fire-colored beetles (Family Pyrochroidae) in North America. Pyrochroidae is from the Greek pyros which means fire and chroma meaning[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Tiphiid wasp
This week’s crawly is another fabulously funky wasp. Meet the tiphiid wasp (Family Tiphiidae; pictured Subfamily Tiphiinae).While there are 200 species of tiphiid wasp in North America, there have been only a handful (well, two handfuls) of sightings here in our area. Those found in our area (so far) have[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: American badger
American badger (Taxidea taxus) This week’s crawly falls under the heading of “What’s not to love?” Meet the American badger (Taxidea taxus).While most Oregonian badgers live in Eastern Oregon, there are some in our own backyard in Eastern Jackson County.That said, American badgers are mostly active at night so getting[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Conifer sawfly
Conifer sawfly (Genus Neodiprion) This week’s crawly is in the same order as bees and wasps. While they may look a little waspy, they are their own unique critter. Our featured mister also happens to have ab fab antennae. Meet the conifer sawfly (Genus Neodiprion).Let’s do a quick review: “What[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Calliope hummingbird
Calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) This week’s crawly is the embodiment of “small but mighty.” Meet the calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope).Calliope are the smallest birds in North America, and the smallest long-distance migratory birds in the world. They spend winters in Mexico, as far as 5,000 miles from their northernmost breeding[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Transverse lady beetle
This week’s crawly is a very special lady. Lady beetle, that is! Meet the transverse lady beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata).With only a handful of sightings in Oregon you’d be lucky to spot her indeed. Numbers of transverse ladies are declining throughout most of their range, due in large part to the[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Death-watch beetle
You’re alone in bed, in the wee dark hours, and you hear a quick tapping sound emanating from the ceiling. Then silence. You are sure you are hearing things. After all, things that go “bump” in the night aren’t real – are they? Then, it comes again. In the words[Read More…]
Crawlies with Cri: Cabbage white butterfly
Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae) This week’s crawly is a pretty flitter who loves their greens. Meet the cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae).Cabbage whites were introduced to North America from Europe in the late 1800s and have really settled in. They can now be found in every state except Alaska.What’s[Read More…]