Tulip poplar at Fox Ridge State Park.
 

  Field Trip Report:  Fox Ridge State Park
May 15, 2005

Although the weather was cloudy and cool (definitely not butterfly weather!), seven people participated in the butterfly outing at Fox Ridge.  We didn't see any butterflies, but every brief bit of sunshine gave us hope.   Instead of butterflies, we had a great time learning/relearning local wildflowers and trees, birds, and insects and spiders (plenty of non-butterfly bugs were still available!).  See below for a few photos.

*If anyone wants to provide more complete identification or corrections for any of the below items,
feel free to contact the club by email*

All photos copyright  P.V. Switzer.  No use without permission.

 
YThese aphids (the grayish insects) are providing a feast for two larvae of syrphid flies (the longer, greenish grubs on the left and right of the picture).  After they pupate, these flies will be harmless hovering flies that mimic bees -- and which some people call "sweat bees".
 
Harvestman
Although these spider relatives have fearsome reputations, these are harmless to humans -- their reputation is all urban legend
           Planthopper



Many planthoppers (such as this one found underneath a thistle leaf) camouflage themselves as leaves and thorns.


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