Although small, that bright green color made this Six Spotted Tiger Beetle(Cicindela sexguttata) hard to be missed while the WooFDriver was out Free Range running the WooFPAK.
The common name and the species name refer to the number of small white spots on the beetle’s metallic-green body, usually numbering six. But that is not always true, as some individuals have more spots, fewer spots, or none at all.
Wikipedia’s Webpage to learn more about this beetle
After WooFDriver was done mushing the PAK on the rail trails, he came back to find this visitor of his truck’s windshield, a Katydid(Microcentrum Rhombifolium)! Their bodies resemble green leaves, making them well camouflaged while sitting on trees! They eat leaves from the top of trees and bushes where there may be fewer predators.
Insect Identification Website to learn more about the Katydid
While hiking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia with the WooFPAK and crew, WooFDriver noticed this Millipede on a journey of its own. There are 12,000 named species of Millipedes and they live on all continents except Antarctica.
Wikipedia’s Webpage to learn more about Millipedes
While Free Ranging the WooFPAK the WooFDriver was lucky to see this Orange Butterfly(Speyeria Cybele) on some purple flowers. They lay their eggs in late summer on or near the host plants of violets. When the caterpillars hatch they do not feed, they overwinter until spring when they eat young violet leaves.
Butterflies and Moths of North America’s Website to learn more about this butterfly
On July 21, 2014 at the farm Free Ranging the WooFPAK. We came across this thirsty little moth! To avoid being eaten, some moths are notorious for their ability to look like other animals. They have evolved to look like less tasty insects like wasps, tarantulas and praying mantis.
Please enjoy this album of Moths the WooFDriver has captured!
July 28, 2014 while Free Range Running the WooFPAK we came across this little butterfly, a Variegated Fritillary Butterfly. We were in it’s habitat of open areas like pastures, fields and prairies. It’s host plants include Woodland Stonecrop, Passion Flowers and Voilet.
Learn more here about this butterfly, and other butterfies.
Enjoy this album of these beautiful butterflies WooFDriver has captured on a couple different occasions!
July 31, 2014 found this little creature! Common Conehead Cricket(Neoconocephalus sp.) are mostly active during summer and early fall, when meadow grasses are at their peak. Be careful, as some can give a strong bite due to strong jaws from chewing on tough grasses.
Whether out Free Range Running, Lure Coursing or Mushing along the trails with the WooFPAK, these Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies(Papilio glaucus) seem to follow. The WooFDriver has be able to see and capture these beautiful butterflies on several occasions.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails are usually solitary and can be seen flying high above the ground, higher than the tree canopy. Some common hosts plants are the tulip tree, sweet bay magnolia, and wild black cherry. The males are a bright yellow and the females can exhibit two different color combinations, yellow and black or black and blue. The darker colors are more common in the southern states.
Learn more about the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Another great website for learning about butterflies.
Enjoy this album of Swallowtails the WooFDriver has captured along his adventures!
August 18, 2014 we caught a glimpse of a beautiful grasshopper while running with the WooFPAK. I believe it to be the Differential Grasshopper(Melanoplus differentialis). They are considered a pest in most regions for crops and found throughout North America. A single swarm can take out a young crop within a few days. However, they are cool to look at and hear at night! I believe all creatures have their place in the world.
August 27, 2014 in the Shenandoah Valley with the WooFPAK, WooFDriver was able to capture this Monarch Butterfly. They are known for their incredible mass migration of up to 3,000 miles bringing millions of butterflies to California and Mexico each winter. Learn more about Monarch Butterflies
Enjoy this photo album of Monarch Butterflies found on the WooFPAK’s adventures!
