Sightings grid

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/30/14

Observation Time: 12:10

Observation Location: Power lines near Walpole St.

Common Name: Six-spotted tiger beetle

Scientific Name: Cicindela sexguttata

Comments: Female six-spotted tiger beetles lay eggs in sandy patches. When they hatch, the larvae burrow into the ground. The larvae lie in wait until small arthropods walk by. Then they pounce much like a jack in the box. The larvae pupate after a year. Six-spotted tiger beetles have a total lifespan of about five years.

More Information: Tiger Beetle

Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle

Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle

Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/2/19

Observation Time: 12:10

Observation Location: beneath the power lines that parallel So. Walpole St.

Common Name: Six-spotted tiger beetle

Scientific Name: Cicindela sexguttata

Comments: Female six-spotted tiger beetles lay eggs in sandy patches. When they hatch, the larvae burrow into the ground. The larvae lie in wait until small arthropods walk by. Then they pounce much like a jack in the box. The larvae pupate after a year. Six-spotted tiger beetles have a total lifespan of about five years.

More Information: Tiger Beetle

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/22/23

Observation Time: 12:45 pm

Observation Location: Gavins Pond

Common Name: Six-spotted tiger beetle

Scientific Name: Cicindela sexguttata

Comments: Female six-spotted tiger beetles lay eggs in sandy patches. When they hatch, the larvae burrow into the ground. The larvae lie in wait until small arthropods walk by. Then they pounce much like a jack in the box. The larvae pupate after a year. Six-spotted tiger beetles have a total lifespan of about five years.

More Information: Tiger Beetle and The Nature Web

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/16/19

Observation Time: 1:50 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Skunk Cabbage

Scientific Name: Symplocarpus foetidus

Comments: Skunk cabbages are among the first plants to emerge in early spring. They can maintain an internal temperature significantly warmer than the surrounding air – as much as 15-35 degrees warmer – by consuming carbohydrates stored in their fleshy rhizomes. The warmth they generate helps in attracting cold-blooded, early-emerging pollinating insects in early spring when temperatures are typically quite chilly.

More Information: National Park Service

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/24/10

Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts

Common Name: Skunk cabbage

Scientific Name: Symplocarpus foetidus

Comments: Tearing a leaf produces a pungent but not harmful odor, the source of the plant’s common name; it is also foul smelling when it blooms. The plant is not poisonous to the touch. The foul odor attracts pollinators, such as scavenging flies, stoneflies, and bees. The odor in the leaves may also serve to discourage large animals from disturbing or damaging this plant which grows in soft wetland soils.

Eastern skunk cabbage is notable for its ability to generate temperatures of up to 15–35 °C (27–63 °F) above air temperature by cyanide resistant cellular respiration in order to melt its way through frozen ground, placing it among a small group of thermogenic plants. Even though it flowers while there is still snow and ice on the ground, it is successfully pollinated by early insects that also emerge at this time. Carrion-feeding insects that are attracted by the scent may be doubly encouraged to enter the spathe because it is warmer than the surrounding air, fueling pollination.

Eastern skunk cabbage has contractile roots which contract after growing into the earth. This pulls the stem of the plant deeper into the mud, so that the plant in effect grows downward, not upward. Each year, the plant grows deeper into the earth, so that older plants are practically impossible to dig up. They reproduce by hard, pea-sized seeds which fall in the mud and are carried away by animals or by floods.

More Information: Wikipedia

Skunk Cabbage

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/22/23

Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond

Common Name: Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (immature male)

Scientific Name: Libellula incesta

Comments: This is an immature male.  Click HERE to learn how to tell the differences among male, female and immature slaty skimmers.

More Information: Odonata.bogfoot.net

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/2/11

Observation Time: 2:50 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond

Common Name: Slaty Skimmer dragonfly

Scientific Name: Libellula incesta

Comments: The first photo is a female. The second is a male.

Watch this video of the slaty skimmer dragonfly as it oviposits at Gavins Pond.

More Photos: Odonata.bogfoot.net

Slaty Skimmer Dragonfly

Slaty Skimmer Dragonfly

Observer: Josh Simons

Observation Date: 6/14/20

Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill area

Common Name: Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (female)

Scientific Name: Libellula incesta

Comments: Watch this video of the slaty skimmer dragonfly as it oviposits at Gavins Pond.

More Photos: Odonata.bogfoot.net

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/4/20

Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Slender Bush-Clover

Scientific Name: Lespedeza virginica

Comments: Slender bush-clover is a member of the pea family. Like other bush-clovers, slender bush-clover is preferentially browsed by mammalian herbivores such as deer and rabbits, as well as quail and other ground birds.

Slender bush-clover is often found in man-made or disturbed habitats. This patch was observed along a dirt road underneath power lines that are periodically cleared so maintenance crews can access the power lines.

More Information: Illinois Wildflowers and Go Botany

Observer: Vin Zollo

Observation Date: 6/15/13

Observation Time: 11:02 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Slender Spreadwing damselfly

Scientific Name: Lestes rectangularis

Comments: Billings Farm Loop Boardwalk

More Information: BugGuide

Slender Spreadwing Damselfly

Observer: Richard Kramer

Observation Date: 6/21/12

Observation Time: 4:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Deborah Sampson Park

Common Name: Slime Mold

Scientific Name: Amoebozoa

Comments: Slime molds are in the phylum Amoebozoa, and are related to amoeba. Slime molds are aggregates of single-celled organisms that can grow up to 9 feet long! Slime molds typically aggregate to form a plasmodium — a multinucleate mass of undifferentiated cells that may move in an ameboid-like fashion during the search for nutrients. Slime molds are examples of cellular communication and differentiation, and may provide insights into how multicellular organisms develop.

More Information: I Love Slime Molds and So Should You

On the intelligence of slime molds: https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/thinking-without-a-brain/

Slime Mold

Slime Mold

Slime Mold

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/23/19

Observation Time: 12:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Billings Loop Botanical Trail

Common Name: Slime Mold

Scientific Name: Amoebozoa

Comments: Slime molds are in the phylum Amoebozoa, and are related to amoeba. Slime molds are aggregates of single-celled organisms that can grow up to 9 feet long! Slime molds typically aggregate to form a plasmodium — a multinucleate mass of undifferentiated cells that may move in an ameboid-like fashion during the search for nutrients. Slime molds are examples of cellular communication and differentiation, and may provide insights into how multicellular organisms develop.

More Information: I Love Slime Molds and So Should You

On the intelligence of slime molds: https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/thinking-without-a-brain/

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/25/11

Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond near soccer fields

Common Name: Small Cabbage White butterfly

Scientific Name: Pieris rapae

Comments: The top photo shows a copulating pair. The male has a single black wing spot. The female has two black wing spots, and slightly yellower wings.

More Information: Wikipedia

Small Cabbage White Butterfly

Small Cabbage White Butterfly

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/11/20

Observation Time: 3:10 p.m.

Observation Location: somewhere in Sharon. Please do not dig up wildflowers!

Common Name: Small Green Wood Orchid

Scientific Name: Platanthera clavellata

Comments: Platanthera is a large genus – about 200 species – in the large Orchidaceae (Orchid) Family. Over 30 of the Platanthera species are found in North America.

Platanthera clavellata is protected in at least four states due to its rarity in those jurisdictions. Please do not dig up wildflowers! They have a role to play in the ecosystem, and they typically do not survive transplantation.

More Information: Name That Plant

Platanthera clavellata usually has only one large leaf, located on the lower half of the stem, but may occasionally have two.

The flowers of Platanthera clavellata are pale green, greenish white, yellowish white, or dull white.

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/21/20

Observation Time: 4:35 p.m.

Observation Location: Corner of Gavins Pond Rd. and Col. Gridley Rd.

Common Name: Small-leaved Linden Tree

Scientific Name: Tilia cordata

Comments: Tilia cordata, commonly called small-leaved linden or little-leaf linden, is native to Europe. It has been widely planted in the U.S. as an ornamental shade tree because of its (a) attractive foliage, (b) dense, low-branched, pyramidal to ovate form and (c) tolerance for urban conditions. Ornamental features include fragrant pale yellow flowers in late spring.

The edges of the leaf blades have small teeth. This specimen is about 25 feet tall.

More Information: Missouri Botanical Garden

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/7/13

Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam

Common Name: Smeared Dagger Moth caterpillar

Scientific Name: Acronicta oblinita

Comments: For pictures of the adult moth, see: http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Acronicta+oblinita&guide=Moth&cl=US/GA/Clarke

More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America

Smeared Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/28/23

Observation Time: 9:40 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Smooth Brome grass

Scientific Name: Bromus inermis

Comments: Smooth brome is a Eurasian species of grass introduced to North America, where it has been used extensively for habitat rehabilitation and as a forage plant.

More Information: Go Botany

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/28/23

Observation Time: 9:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Smooth Meadow-grass

Scientific Name: Poa pratensis

Comments: Smooth meadow-grass is valued as a pasture and turf grass, particularly in golf courses, but is considered an invasive weed in natural grassland ecosystems, where it outcompetes native species, reduces biodiversity and alters nitrogen cycling and ecosystem function.

More Information: CABI Digital Library

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/3/20

Observation Time: 8:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Near Billings Brook downstream of Gavins Pond dam

Common Name: Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Comments: Reptiles are cold-blooded. This individual had hauled itself out of the chilly water to warm itself in the sun. In early June, snapping turtles come out of the water, dig a hole in sandy areas, and bury their eggs. The eggs hatch in late summer or early fall.

Temperature during incubation influences the sex of the hatchlings. See: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1563778?seq=1

More Information: Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Mass Audubon’s guide to turtle species

The snapping turtle’s tail looks like something you might find in Jurassic Park.

Observer: Eldad Ganin

Observation Date: 6/23/23

Observation Time: 4:59 p.m.

Observation Location: Hammershop Pond

Common Name: Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Comments: Snapping turtles are found in all sorts of water bodies, from rivers to lakes to marshes. They eat many different plants and animals, but become more vegetarian as they age.

Snapping turtles can be aggressive and deliver a painful bite if threatened. Give them plenty of space and be aware that their neck can stretch the length of the shell. Never grab one by the tail—you could seriously injure the turtle.

More Information: Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Mass Audubon’s guide to turtle species

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/22/16

Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Outflow pool below Gavins Pond dam

Common Name: Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Comments: Snapping turtles come out of the water and lay their eggs in sandy areas in early June. The eggs hatch in late summer or early fall.

More Information: Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Mass Audubon’s guide to turtle species

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/21/10

Observation Time: 7:50 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Comments: It is a common misconception that snapping turtles may be safely picked up by the tail with no harm to the animal; in fact, this has a high chance of injuring the turtle, especially the tail itself and the vertebral column. Lifting the turtle with the hands is difficult and dangerous. Snappers can stretch their necks back across their own carapace and to their hind feet on either side to bite. Also, their claws are sharp and capable of inflicting significant lacerations.

Manual lifting is best accomplished by grabbing the base of the tail right near the shell, lifting a tiny bit and sliding a flat hand with the fingers tightly together between its back legs and under its stomach. The snapper is then lifted off the ground much like a pizza, keeping its head pointed away from anyone. They cannot bite under their stomachs. If available wearing thick work gloves is advised when handling adult snappers. Washing hands or using hand sanitizer is advised after handling any turtle (wild or pet) as they can carry Salmonella bacteria.

More Information: Wikipedia

Snapping Turtle

Observer: Thomas Belli

Observation Date: 9/4/22

Observation Time: 1:30 pm

Observation Location: Pud’s Pond (Borerland State Park)

Common Name: Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Comments: It was huge!

Temperature during incubation influences the sex of the hatchlings. See: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1563778?seq=1

More Information: Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Mass Audubon’s guide to turtle species

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/25/10

Observation Time: 7:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Spillway at Gavins Pond dam

Common Name: Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Snapping Turtle Drama

On August 25 the spillway at the Gavins Pond dam was flowing strongly following four inches of rain in three days.

Snapping Turtle Drama

A good-sized snapping turtle had gotten swept by the current into the spillway at the Gavins Pond dam. It was hanging on to the concrete lip at the entrance of the spillway by its front claws. If it let go, it would have been swept over the falls and onto the shallow rocks, which might have been fatal. A few years ago, I saw a broken carapace of a big snapping turtle in the outflow pool. I suppose it had gotten swept over the falls and broke its shell.

Snapping Turtle Drama

Moments after I took the above picture, the turtle’s right front claw lost its grip, and the turtle lurched a couple inches backward toward the falls. I thought it was a goner, but it continued to hang on by its left front claw. It somehow managed to pull its right claw forward against the strong current and regained its grip on the lip of the spillway. Very slowly and carefully, it maneuvered itself toward the pond.

Snapping Turtle Drama

Once out of the current, it rested briefly, and I was able to get this last photo before it swam off.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/27/19

Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview

Common Name: Snipe Fly

Scientific Name: Rhagio mystaceus

Comments: Also known as a down-looker fly. Two of the photos show why.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 12/26/08

Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Dirt road by soccer field near Gavins Pond

Common Name: Snow Bunting

Scientific Name: Plectrophenax nivalis

Comments: Flock of around a dozen birds was gleaning seeds on the dirt road.

More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”

Observer: Kathy  Farrell

Observation Date: January 11, 2017

Observation Time: N/A

Observation Location: my back yard

Common Name: Snow Flea

Scientific Name: Hypogastrura harveyi or Hypogastrura nivicol

Comments: At close examination, perhaps in melting snow around the base of a tree, tiny black flecks might be found sprinkled in the snow. They probably look like bits of dirt at first glance, but they are actually tiny soil animals known as snow fleas. Officially, they are called springtails and are not actually fleas.

On any given summer day, hundreds of thousands of springtails can populate one cubic meter of top soil; at 1-2 mm, they largely go unnoticed by people. In the winter, however, two species of dark blue springtails— Hypogastrura harveyi and Hypogastrura nivicol—can be easily spotted against the white backdrop of snow. These hexapods may have acquired the nickname of snow fleas due to their ability to jump great distances, a feat fleas boast as well. Whereas fleas use enlarged hind legs, springtails have a tail-like appendage called a furcula that unfolds to launch the hexapods great distances.
But unlike fleas, springtails are not parasites; they feed on decaying organic matter in the soil (such as leaf litter) and, therefore, play an important part in natural decomposition. Snow fleas in particular are able to withstand the bitter temperatures of winter thanks to a “glycine-rich antifreeze protein,” as reported in a study published in Biophysical Journal.

More Information: http://www.esa.org/esablog/research/snow-fleas-helpful-winter-critters-2/

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 12/12/08

Observation Time: 10:00 a.m.

Observation Location: Ward’s field near Heights Elementary School

Common Name: Snow Goose

Scientific Name: Chen caerulescens

Comments: There was a flock of about 10 snow geese in Ward’s field. They were all white except for black wing tips.

More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/29/15

Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Scientific Name: Hemaris diffinis

Comments: Feeding on butterfly bush.

More information: Butterflies and Moths of North America

Snowberry clearwing moth-3

Snowberry clearwing moth-2


 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/9/13

Observation Time: 4:35 p.m.

Observation Location: soccer parking area near Gavins Pond

Common Name: Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Scientific Name: Hemaris diffinis

Comments: This diurnal moth is about the size of a bumblebee.

More information: Butterflies and Moths of North America

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/11/23

Observation Time: 4:20 p.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Scientific Name: Hemaris diffinis

Comments: This one was feeding on butterfly bush in my back yard (a ruby-throated hummingbird was feeding there at the same time).

Large, sometimes feathery antennae are more typical of moths than butterflies.

More information: Butterflies and Moths of North America

Observer: Josh Simons

Observation Date: 2/10/14

Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill area

Common Name: Song Sparrow

Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia

Comments: Melos meaning “song”, “spiza” meaning “a finch” and “melodia” meaning “a pleasant sound”. “Sparrow” comes from the Anglo-Saxon “spearwa” or “sparrow”, literally “flutterer”. [The Dictionary of American Bird Names by Ernest A. Choate]

More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”

Song Sparrow

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/7/11

Observation Time: 5:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer fields

Common Name: Song Sparrow

Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia

Comments: This song sparrow was gleaning seeds. Their distinctive, melodious song is a good one to memorize because it is so common.

More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”

Song Sparrow

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/29/16

Observation Time: 1:50 p.m.

Observation Location: near Lake Massapoag boat ramp

Common Name: Song Sparrow

Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia

Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them. The spot on its chest also helps with identification.

More Information: All About Birds

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/29/14

Observation Time: 11:25 a.m.

Observation Location: Borderland State Park

Common Name: Song Sparrow

Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia

Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them.

More Information: All About Birds

Song Sparrow

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/31/20

Observation Time: 4:50 p.m.

Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm

Common Name: Song Sparrow

Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia

Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them.

More Information: All About Birds

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/2/19

Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.

Observation Location: in the wetlands beneath the power lines across the street from Ward’s Berry Farm

Common Name: Song Sparrow

Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia

Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them.

More Information: All About Birds

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Southern Arrowwood

Scientific Name: Viburnum dentatum

Comments: Native Americans reportedly used the straight stems of this species for arrow shafts, hence the common name. The scientific name “dentatum” refers to the toothed edges of its leaves.

More Information: Missouri Botanical Garden

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/19/12

Observation Time: 5:40 p.m.

Observation Location: dirt road leading to Gavins Pond Dam

Common Name: Spangled skimmer dragonfly (female)

Scientific Name: Libellula cyanea

Comments: This photo is a female. Male spangled skimmers are slate blue. Hence the species name “cyanea” which refers to its cyan (blue) coloration.

Identifying dragonflies and damselflies is fun. Get a copy of A Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Massachusetts by Blair Nikula, Jennifer L. Loose, and Matthew R. Burne.

More Information: Dragonflies and Damselflies of NJ

Spangled Skimmer Dragonfly

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/17/13

Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam

Common Name: Spangled Skimmer dragonfly (male)

Scientific Name: Libellula cyanea

Comments: Males of this species are blue, while females are brown. Both have striking white and black stigmas on their wings. No other dragonfly in the Northeast has white stigmas on its wings. Males are territorial.

More Information: Dragonflies and Damselflies of NJ

Spangled Skimmer Dragonfly (Male)

Observer: Sherry Berlingo

Observation Dates:

Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar – Found on playground in Sharon 09/20/16
Spicebush Swallowtail Chrysalis – Formed chrysalis on 09/22/16
Overwintered in outdoor shed
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly – Emerged on 06/01/17, released on 06/02/17

Observation Location: The Childrens Center, Sharon Public School

Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio troilus

Comments: This large black butterfly is more common in Sharon than the similar black swallowtail. Learn how to tell them apart at: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Papilio-polyxenes&sp2=Papilio-troilus

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/24/21

Observation Time: 12:55 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon (Billings Loop near the barn)

Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio troilus

Comments: This spicebush swallowtail butterfly was observed feeding on milkweed flowers. Note that spicebush swallowtail butterflies are quite similar to black swallowtail butterflies. Spicebush swallowtails have a marking that looks like a comet among the row of large orange spots on each of its rear wings (see photos). The black swallowtail just has another orange spot where the spicebush has the comet marking.

More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/3/15

Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.

Observation Location: Town-owned land at Morse and Lakeview Sts.

Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio troilus

Comments: This spicebush swallowtail butterfly was observed feeding on milkweed flowers. Note that spicebush swallowtail butterflies are quite similar to black swallowtail butterflies. Spicebush swallowtails have a marking that looks like a comet among the row of large orange spots on each of its rear wings (see photos). The black swallowtail just has another orange spot where the spicebush has the comet marking.

More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/6/14

Observation Time: 1:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area near soccer parking area

Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio troilus

Comments: This spicebush swallowtail butterfly was observed feeding on milkweed flowers. Note that spicebush swallowtail butterflies are very similar to black swallowtail butterflies. Learn how to tell the difference at: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Papilio-polyxenes&sp2=Papilio-troilus

Black Swallowtail butterfly

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/4/17

Observation Time: 1:45 p.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd. (back yard)

Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio troilus

Comments: The butterfly bush I planted in our back yard attracts beautiful butterflies like this one. Note the blue “comet” marking on its hind wing, which differentiates spicebush swallowtails from black swallowtails.

More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/4/13

Observation Time: 8:45 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam

Common Name: Spined Soldier Bug (nymph)

Scientific Name: Podisus maculiventris

Comments: Spined soldier bugs are small predatory stink bugs. They molt several times before reaching maturity. Each phase is referred to as an instar. This one was in the third “instar”.

More Information: University of Florida

Spined Soldier Bug (Nymph)

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/9/20

Observation Time: 1:50 p.m.

Observation Location: beside soccer parking area on Gavins Pond Rd

Common Name: Spittlebug

Scientific Name: Philaenus spumarius

Comments: Spittlebugs are known for the frothy spittle mass they produce while feeding on plants.

More Information: University of Minnesota Extension

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/27/10

Observation Time: 8:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road-soccer parking area

Common Name: Spotted knapweed

Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa

Comments: Knapweed is a pioneer species found in recently disturbed sites or openings. Once it has been established at a disturbed site, it continues to spread into the surrounding habitat. This species outcompetes natives through at least three methods:

  1. A tap root that sucks up water faster than the root systems of its neighbors,
  2. Quick spread through high seed production, and
  3. Low palatability, meaning it is less likely to be chosen as food by herbivores. It is also suspected to be allelopathic, releasing a toxin from its roots that stunts the growth of nearby plants of other species.

More Information: Wikipedia

Spotted Knapweed

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/12/20

Observation Time: 7:00 p.m.

Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Spotted Knapweed

Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa

Comments: Spotted knapweed is not native to North America (it came from Europe). It is poisonous to other plants, creating barren areas where only knapweed grows. It can be a skin irritant.

More Information: namethatplant.net

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/22/15

Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area

Common Name: Spotted Knapweed

Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa

Comments: Spotted knapweed is poisonous to other plants, creating barren areas where only knapweed grows. It is a threat to pastures and dry ecosystems including prairies and dunes.  Can be a skin irritant.

More Information: Michigan Invasive Species