"People need wild places. Whether or not we think we do, we do. We need to be able to taste grace and know once again that we desire it. We need to experience a landscape that is timeless, whose agenda moves at the pace of speciation and glaciers. To be surrounded by the singing, mating, howling commotion of other species, all of which love their lives as much as we do ours, and none of which could possibly care less about our economic status or our running day calendar. Wildness puts us in our place."
— Barbara Kingsolver
Gorgeous weather moved in for the weekend providing opportunities for hiking and nature photography. I didn't have any target insect species in mind, so Spring Green Preserve seemed like a perfect destination given its abundance of flora and fauna. There's a stasis at the present for tiger beetles as the Wisconsin River has risen once again from an abundance of rain.
Our first little critter is Proctacanthus hinei, named in honor of James S. Hine, an American entomologist who made significant contributions to the study of Diptera (the order of insects that includes flies). Naming a species after a notable scientist is a common practice in taxonomy, serving to recognize their contributions to the field. James S. Hine worked extensively on the taxonomy and biology of various insect groups, and his work has had a lasting impact on entomological research. P. hinei is relatively large for a robber fly. Adults typically range in size from about 25 to 35 millimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) in length. Their size, combined with their robust and hairy bodies, makes them quite noticeable when they are perched or in flight.
Big Sand Tiger Beetles were out and about as well.
Prickly Pear were in full bloom at the preserve. The bright yellow flowers popped against the sandy landscape, adding a burst of color to the area. These tough little plants thrive in the dry conditions, showing off their spiky pads and beautiful blossoms. It's amazing to see such vibrant blooms in this unique part of Wisconsin, making the preserve a must-visit spot for nature lovers.
Callirhoe digitata, commonly known as the Fringed Poppy Mallow or Finger-Leaf Poppy Mallow, is another beautiful wildflower found at Spring Green Preserve. This plant is part of the mallow family (Malvaceae) and is known for its striking, deep magenta flowers that resemble poppies. The flowers have a distinctive fringed appearance, adding to their visual appeal.
Callirhoe digitata typically grows in prairies, open fields, and along roadsides, thriving in well-drained soils and full sunlight. Its deeply divided, finger-like leaves are another characteristic feature, giving the plant its "digitata" name. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the Fringed Poppy Mallow adds a vibrant touch to the natural landscape and is a favorite among wildflower enthusiasts.
Here's a cool find! Though truly subjective, Archasia auriculata is an adorable treehopper with its unique and whimsical appearance. The intricate structures on its pronotum, which can look like miniature helmets or shields, give it a charming and almost otherworldly look. These features make treehoppers a favorite among insect enthusiasts and nature photographers.
After a tasty lunch at the Spring Green General Store, it was late enough in the afternoon to consider looking for Prairie Fame Flower Phemeranthus parviflorus. Unlike the East Unit of the preserve, the West Unit was alive with Passerina cyanea — their songs were borderline obnoxious. While one singing every few minutes can be a serene experience, four or more singing together renders a clamorous racket.
And nearly on cue!
But only one ...
As if almost on an alert standby, insects immediately exploit the new source of flower nectar ...
Above, a lovely Mourning Cloak portrait, and below a Tiger Moth ...
Aren't you glad I didn't post another 1st Amendment rant? For me writing about that sort of thing is a cathartic exercise, but I don't really expect to change anyone's mind. At least I know that through this blog, field trips, and my photography I have inspired others — more on that in a future post. Anyway, here's a photograph of the Wisconsin River at the Sauk Canoe Launch. This may sound like my wordly priorities are a bit skewed, but the river has been a source of concern this spring and summer. I don't anticipate getting all 16 Wisconsin tiger beetles for the year, but I only saw a single Sandy Stream last year — it would be nice to see them in good numbers like I've observed in the past. With little beach and no sandbars, the prospect looks rather poor. To be sure, this isn't the end of the world and I know one day soon I will see them again, but I contend that life’s beauty is in the little things.
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell