Site Discussions

Some 30 years ago, camping with my father and nephew in the White Mountains. I really wanted to show them some bioluminescent fungi. It was a moonless night, and we walked up the trail from the campsite without flashlights. I was breaking up old half-rotten sticks, searching for glowing mycelia.  Finally my father found a couple really tiny chunks of glow in an old rotten stump.

When we got back to the campsite, we noticed a glow. It came from inside a hollow log that was serving as a bench next to the firepit.  Inside the hollow was a big mass of glowing mushrooms.

I’ve got more stories about bioluminescent fungi, but that’s enough for now.  I often urge people to learn to walk at night without a flashlight (or use it sparingly and covering most of the light, so your night vision stays useful).  Also works for finding glowworms, which like the fungi are quite common. But most people seldom see either because of all the artificial lights we use.

Lovely post, Declan!  I see these beautiful beetles quite often here in the fields surrounding Denison. I’m also fond of the Phymata spp. I see on the goldenrods as well - beautiful and terrifying at the same time!

I love your column. Helps me in keeping aware of what I am seeing. Taking more pictures too, on my cell phone.

Thanks for “Snapper news” article. I am curious about the actual capacity of a (large) snapper’s bite. Can it break human skin/flesh, tear human flesh off in chunks, break smaller bones, say sever a finger or toe? You hear stories, but I wonder what is reality. I have experimented only a little enticing one to bite a stick when I was younger; I recall no breakage, but not even sure how large that turtle may have been, perhaps 10 - 15 lbs. Anyway thanks for your article!

Thanks so much for honoring my parent’s wishes.  I am so proud to be associated with you.  I couldn’t be more pleased.  It’s what my Mom and Dad always wanted.

“For example, with .325 pitch chain, you should use a 3/16-inch file; for 3/8-inch pitch, use a 5/32-inch file.”  You use a smaller file on a 3/8 pitch than on a .325, or is this a typo?

This is so fascinating! This past summer I became introduced to the tomato horn-worm, and it’s parasite, which was unbelievable to see the white eggs on its back!  Then to watch the worms slowly shrivel and its carcass hang was bizarre!  Thank you for a very interesting piece!

Creating nature trails that are sensory-friendly and accessible for individuals with autism is a wonderful initiative. It’s heartwarming to see efforts being made to provide inclusive outdoor spaces that can bring joy and therapeutic benefits to people on the autism spectrum. Thank you for highlighting this thoughtful and impactful project!

I enjoyed reading the article and in particular was excited to see the section about black ash!! Great work by Nancy Patch.  Great article in the magazine.

Are increases in competition from increased turkey populations and predation from foxes and coyotes also factors?

Truly fine article.

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the doodlebug info. Really enjoyed. Is the natural maximum angle for a grain of sand before it slides down 17degrees? I am wondering if it’ the same angle a doodlebug uses for the sides of it’s trap? This is a small example of the amount of my science experience.

What are you and Laura going to do on your vacation to Mexico? Congratulations on your retirement, It took a lot of years to do that. Enjoy.

Best to you and yours.

Tracey

I have spent much time watching Doodle bugs (antlions) harvesting ants and other prey. Fascinating!

Years ago after learning about Antlions, I wondered if they were the inspiration for the Desert planet “pit battle’ in the Star Wars Trilogy???

Erica,  I love your focus on keeping future generations connected to nature, and you’re taking such creative and diverse approaches to achieve that goal. I really admire what you’re doing!

Which species of trees benefit from soil scarification?

It bothers me when I hear coyotes are not a native species, as though they are invasive. They came here naturally to fill a role after we killed off the wolf. How long does it take to be considered a native species? Will we ever stop saying they are not a native species.

Erica,

What a wonderful article that will no doubt be an inspiration to many individuals in natural resources, and to those that are contemplating such a career.

I have just put it on the reading list for field dendrology this fall!

Bill Lee

Erica, wonderful work and I love your enthusiasm for people and nature in urban environments.

Erica,

Wonderful to read about your success!

I lived in MI for over five years and never saw a cecropia moth.  When I moved to SC I found two cocoons while pruning my oak trees in Jan.  Both emerged beg. April. Both were female.  I was able to collect some fert. eggs, raised/fed caterpillars and now have several more cocoons.  Will have to wait all winter u til April for eclosings.