“Bugs never bug my head. They are amazing. It is the activities of humans which actually bug me all the time.”
― Munia Khan
While the beach along the Wisconsin River near Sauk City is no longer under water, we could sure use some rain. With spring bird migration coming to an end, my focus returns once again to the sandy places of southern Wisconsin. Searching for insects in the sand can be an exciting and rewarding activity that allows one to explore the fascinating world of small creatures. Whether you're at the beach, in a desert, or even near a sand dune, there's a good chance that you'll find a variety of insects that have adapted to this unique habitat. Naturally, tiger beetles are my standard quarry, as they would be on this day.
Arriving early is important. By late morning tiger beetles warm up under the sun and become impossibly quick to sneak up on for portraiture. After leading a field trip at Pope Farm Conservancy on Saturday, I found this out by getting to the beach too late ― it was unseasonably hot for this time of year, though. It didn't take long for me to give up to try again another day. My plan was to return early Sunday morning before the beetles emerge from their nighttime burrows.
Hello? Anyone home!? Well, until they come out there are other things to admire ...
Like Spiderwort!
At last, Big Sand Tiger Beetles began emerging from heir nocturnal quarters to begin searching for food. This first one has to be one of the largest of this species I've ever seen ― I would estimate somewhere around 22 to 24 millimeters in length.
A different individual, this one tolerated extremely close approach ― look at those mandibles!
Long shadows in the early morning light ...
That's an Alfalfa Webworm Moth, Loxostege cereralis.
And a Map Turtle, Graptemys geographica.
A Dwarf Dandelion that's gone to seed.
On my way back to the parking lot I found this Rose Chafer (Macrodactylus spp.) on Common Milkweed. Pests to gardeners, this genus is native to North America.
Not far from the canoe launch is one of my favorite tiger beetle haunts ― Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area, an outwash plain left behind by the melting glacier 14,000 years ago. Though there's a bike trail that runs through part of it, one doesn't see much in the way of recreation here. Under Governor Walker, there were plans for all sorts of activities including ATV trails, shooting ranges, model rocketry, and more. About a decade ago, dozens of conservation organizations signed a statement how such activities could negatively impact grassland birds. I'm not sure where this stands today, but in 2016 the Wisconsin DNR adopted a plan for motorcycle use on the land, though I've never seen it being used for that. Wisconsin DNR's website states:
"Visitors may hunt, trap, hike, bird watch, pick mushrooms and berries, study nature, take photographs and other traditional outdoor activities. You may also drive, bike or ride horses on the roads within the complex that are open. Roads are in variable condition; some have many ruts and potholes."
It's still a restoration work-in-progress, but even now its prairies host a variety of grassland bird species like Bobolink, Dickcissel, Eastern Kingbird, Henslow's Sparrow, Field Sparrow, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Bell's Vireos can be found along some of the edge habitat. Though not observed by me, I've heard there have been Upland Sandpipers and Loggerhead Shrikes here.
And it's a great spot for observing and photographing tiger beetles.
As mentioned here before, tiger beetles are highly active predators that rely on their speed and agility to capture prey. However, excessive heat can affect their ability to function optimally. Seeking shade allows them to escape direct sunlight and reduce their body temperature. This regulation can maintain their metabolic processes and perform essential activities effectively. As ectothermic insects, spending just a minute or so in the shade can quickly lower their body temperature, as this Big Sand Tiger Beetle is doing. When retreating to shade doesn't work, they'll often return to their burrows.
Earlier in the season there were numerous Oblique-lined Tiger Beetles here, but on this day I found just Big Sand and Festive. In a few more weeks there will be Ghost and Punctured Tiger Beetles, as well as a variety of other insects like robber flies and sand wasps.
Concluding a weekend bug hunt can be a time to reflect on the discoveries made and the experiences gained during an insecting adventure. It's a chance to appreciate the wonders of nature and the intricate world of insects. For my part, educating others about the importance and diversity of insects can help foster a greater appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures. I suppose that's one o the reasons I continue to write this blog after all these years. It also serves as a way for me to embrace memories and retain knowledge ― let them inspire all of us for our future nature endeavors.
All images © 2023 Mike McDowell