Curious Findings

 It is time to report on more curious findings! 

First up is a large, fat caterpillar found by Dottie.  She posted it on iNaturalist and it was identified as a Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis).  https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/81586-Citheronia-regalis

 

Photo by Dottie Haley

Valinda spotted a praying mantis.  Did you know there are 3 species commonly found in Virginia? The native species is the Carolina Mantis.  There is also a Chinese Mantis and a European Mantis that can be found here.  Which one is this?  Interesting article here: https://www.brandywine.org/conservancy/blog/invasive-mantis-species

 

Photo by Valinda Dyer: Male Praying Mantis

 Valinda also spotted a tree fungus.  I'm not an expert, but this might be Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus).  Read more here: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/laetiporus_sulphureus.html

Photo by Valinda Dyer

And lastly, a fantastic shot from the Basic Training Bird ID field trip in Danville.  This Red shouldered hawk was spotted by the group in a nearby tree. We watched it fly over our heads and into a squirrel's nest, where it poked around a bit, then made off with a large stick.  Not sure why, but that bird was on a mission for sure. 

Photo by Regina Flora