Skip to main content

How to Identify the 17 year periodical cicadas

 

An educational poster showcasing three types of periodical cicadas. Top: Decula Periodical Cicada, small with dark cheeks and thin orange bands on the abdomin. Middle: Pharaoh Cicada, larger with orange cheeks and thicker black bands on the abdomin. Bottom: Dwarf Periodical Cicada, the smallest with dark cheeks and a dark abdomin without orange bands.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Eastern Worm Snakes vs. Smooth Earth Snakes

 Eastern Worm Snakes vs. Smooth Earth Snakes In the underbrush and hidden corners of the Eastern United States, two secretive creatures slither unnoticed: the Eastern Worm Snake (*Carphophis amoenus*) and the Smooth Earth Snake (*Virginia valeriae*). Though both are small, non-venomous, and often mistaken for one another, several key characteristics set them apart. This post will guide you through these differences, providing a visual aid to identify these elusive snakes in their natural habitats.  Body Shape and Size Eastern Worm Snake:  This species is slender and typically measures 7 to 11 inches in length. Their bodies are more cylindrical, resembling earthworms, which is a helpful camouflage against predators. Smooth Earth Snake : Smooth Earth Snakes are slightly thicker in body compared to Worm Snakes and grow to about 7 to 10 inches long. Their build is less cylindrical and more traditionally snake-like.  Coloration and Patterns Eastern Worm Snake:  The upper side is usually a d
Post a Comment
Read more

Identifying Fowler's Toad vs. American Toad: A Visual Guide

 Identifying Fowler's Toad vs. American Toad: A Visual Guide When exploring the great outdoors, you may come across various species of toads. Two common species found in North America are the Fowler's toad (*Anaxyrus fowleri*) and the American toad (*Anaxyrus americanus*). At first glance, they might look similar, but with a closer look, there are distinct characteristics that can help you tell them apart. This guide will walk you through these key differences. Skin Texture Fowler's Toad : Their skin is more heavily covered with warts than the American toad. Look for large, dark warts within the lighter background color. American Toad:   While also warty, the skin of the American toad tends to have smaller, more uniform warts, and a more uniform color. Parotoid Glands Fowler's Toad:  The parotoid glands (large glands behind the eyes) are either not touching the cranial crest (a bony ridge behind the eye) or are only slightly touching it. American Toad:  The parotoid gla
Post a Comment
Read more

Diagnostic Views for Identifying Crayfish

 Identifying crayfish requires looking at several key parts of their body. To help you know what to look for and how to take pictures of these parts, I 've put together a simple guide. This infographic will show you all the important views for crayfish identification.   
Post a Comment
Read more