Keys to the Kingdoms

Decoding the Dusky Wings of the Eastern United States Welcome to our deep dive into the duskywing butterflies of the Eastern United States! These often overlooked lepidopterans are not just beautiful; they're also fascinating subjects for study due to their varied habitats and behaviors. In this post, we'll explore each species found in the eastern regions, providing you with detailed range maps, insights into their seasonal activities, and expert tips for identification. Whether you're a seasoned lepidopterist or a casual nature lover, there's something here for everyone. Introduction to Duskywings Duskywing butterflies, belonging to the genus Erynnis , are small, robust, and predominantly brown, making them challenging to identify at first glance. However, each species has distinct characteristics that set them apart.  Species Overview Here, we outline the duskywing species found in the Eastern United States, each followed by detailed sections on their range, seasonal

 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

 

  How to Find Morel Mushrooms  by Spotting Their Favorite Trees in the Eastern U.S. If you're out hunting for morel mushrooms in the Eastern U.S., knowing which trees these tasty fungi like to hang out with can make your search a lot easier. Plus, with some trees getting hit hard by pests and diseases, there's actually more dead wood around for morels to grow on. Here's a simple guide to help you spot the trees that are best buds with morels. 1. Ash Trees - Bark:  Ash trees have a cool diamond pattern in their bark that's easier to spot on big, old trees. Younger trees are smoother and not so bumpy. - Buds and Leaves:  The buds are dark and fuzzy, and the leaves are made up of 5 to 9 smaller leaves all lined up next to each other. - Looking from Far Away: Big ash trees have a nice round shape at the top, like a big, leafy umbrella. Emerald Ash Borer - Why Morels Like Them: Ash trees are having a tough time because of the emerald ash borer, a bug that's killing them

 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.   

 A Guide to Morel Mushrooms in Kentucky: Types, Timing, Trees, and Treasure Hunts Every spring, the forests and woodlands of Kentucky become a forager's paradise as morel mushrooms make their much-anticipated appearance. These elusive fungi are not just a delicacy but a harbinger of the earth's reawakening. With Kentucky's rich ecosystems, from the Appalachian Mountains to its extensive hardwood forests, the state offers an ideal habitat for several types of morel mushrooms. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the types you can find, the best times to look for them, the conditions they favor, the trees you might find them near, their unique growth patterns, and the reasons behind their rarity and desirability. Types of Morel Mushrooms in Kentucky - White Morels (Morchella americana) : Prized for their nutty flavor, featuring a honeycomb-like cap on a white to pale stem. photo by: Ruth M. Black Morels (Morchella angusticeps):   Known for their darker, conical cap, they typica

 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