Moth Rocks

I think that all the rocks are distracting me from seeing the moth at the center, but I think that's why I like it - I have to work to see the prize.

Easy Rider

The yellow trillium are just starting to bloom in the woodlands of East Tennessee. I saw quite a few on the wildflower walk at Ijams Nature Center, but this one had a special passenger on board.
Yes, I know spiders are not insects, but honestly I don't plan on taking enough photos to warrant an arachnid label.

Getting Busy

This is kind of a Where's Waldo puzzle for biologists. So many bluets, so little time!

Late Summer

Summer may be winding down here in East Tennessee, but it's not gone yet. Early September is still packed full of heat and humidity and lush green growth, even in the heart of downtown. But there's a rhythm to the season as afternoon shadows grow longer and days grow shorter, birds migrate through town, and late blooming plants reveal their colors.

Here's a burst of color in a vacant lot on Jackson Avenue: thistle courts butterfly, afternoon sun glows through opaque wings and traces veins on leaves.

Wild Urban Kingdom

Walking down Union Avenue early one morning this week, I saw this grasshopper sitting in the middle of the sidewalk as if he owned the whole downtown. He was huge, and not something I'd expect to see posing on the concrete. You know, grasshoppers should be on...well, on grass. His beautiful bright markings are supposed to warn predators that he tastes really bad. Consider me warned, because I snapped his photo and walked away.