Honors 2360.01 Spring 2017

You may not recognize these bugs up close, but turn off the lights and you will know you have come across a Firefly, this one (thanks to iNaturalist) was identified as the Common Eastern Firefly. These insects have appeared recently around campus and I absolutely adore them! After conducting some minor research I found out just how and why glow bugs glow! When they breathe in oxygen, their cells combine with a substance called luciferin to produce that glow in specified organs in their abdomen. These bugs glow in order to find mates as well as act as a defense mechanism to show predators they will be unappetizing. Sidenote: If I was to ever get proposed to one day, I would want fireflies to surround us. Very unrealistic, but ideal.

Source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/firefly/

Observation: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5975779

This is my parents’ favorite flower, so I knew I had to ‘identify’ one for a blog post. I didn’t know that they were called Indian Blankets though – I had grown up thinking they were Indian Paintbrushes. There is now an ongoing debate back home about the correct name, which I find amusing. Either way, they’re lovely flowers. The tough stems make them perfect for small bouquets, flower chains, and flower crowns.

And here’s a little wildflower bouquet I made on my walk back from the open fields I did my observations in:

iNaturalist Observation

I spotted this busy bee by the RCC one day doing what bees do best, pollinate flowers which in turn helps them make honey. After some minor research, I concluded this was a Honey Bee specifically based on its appearance and the fact that it was not aggressive. The Carpenter and Bumble bees would be larger in size and the Killer bee would be more aggressive when agitated. I just try to avoid bees at all possible cost.

Source: http://pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide/bees/#Carpenter-Bees

Observation: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5738727

I’m always curious about the names of those little shrubby trees that pop up everywhere, so I thought hey, why not take a photo of one and post it. There’s gotta be a scientist somewhere that’ll see it and think ‘Yes, this is my jam. I know these trees, identifying them is my thing.’

Once the picture was posted, I rewarded myself with a little pat on the back and a snack for my contribution to Science. A short while later, I decided to check in on the identification process. And I nearly smacked my forehead when I got a notification that another iNaturalist identified it as belonging to the “conifer” group. Cue a mild case of embarrassment. Of course, it’s a conifer. Thinking on it, I haven’t heard/read that word in a few years. Which I find ridiculous, but in my defense, I don’t think I know people who use that word casually (around me, at least).

‘Oh my, what a lovely conifer.’ That sounds… so sarcastic in my head. Anybody else read that with an accent?

Anyhoo, trees are cool. This dude is a conifer. And I’m always amazed at plants that survive any/all Texas weather. You go conifers. You’re awesome. You keep doing what you do, surviving the elements. I’ll just keep enjoying my indoor habitation unit (read: my room).

iNaturalist Observation

Tiny furled pink flower, still unidentified. It was all by its lonesome, barely peeking out from the grass near where I was sitting. I love its star-like appearance. No news other than that with this one.

iNaturalist Observation

The particular cluster of goldenrods I located on campus did not have the signature yellow flowers sprouting from the top. They were almost unidentifiable goldenrod had it not been for their height and the shape of their leaves, that I later researched. After learning about the goldenrod, I discovered some incredible facts. For starters, no one is allergic to this plant; there is virtually no pollen on the goldenrod and the pollen that is there can only be spread by insects, not by the wind (which is what usually sparks allergies). Additionally, the goldenrod is edible and very healthy to eat. This plant is usually used to decorate salads, create healing, herbal tea, and/or add flavor to delicious soups and stews.

Source: http://www.ediblewildfood.com/goldenrod.aspx

Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5980112

Tree squirrels seem to really love college campuses. In my hometown back in Maryland, tree squirrels have practically taken over the University of Maryland at College Park. These are no ordinary squirrels either; they are intrepid enough to steal food from students’ bags or even approach students to beg for food. While the squirrels here at St. Edward’s aren’t nearly as approachable or bold, they are certainly just as abundant. Just the other day I was sitting under a tree and 3 squirrels came leaping from it, chasing each other around me and the trunk of the tree before climbing back up again. They seemed unconcerned with my presence and frequently crawled around me as they made their way to and from the tree I was using for shade. The tree squirrel belongs to the genus Sciurus and is the most common genus in North America. Although I was unable to identify the specific species I observed, the bug, bushy tail was a clear indication that the fauna I observed belonged to this genus and could therefore be named a “Tree Squirrel.”

Source: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/45994-Sciurus

Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5980182

One of the best ways to describe this flower is by using the word “droopy.” The Echinacea purpurea is a beautiful and long flower with petals that droop downward from a brown, spiny central disk. Aside from the fascinating information I learned about the flower, I think the most significant detail is the fact that this flower serves a purpose other than aesthetic beauty – it can be used to cook healing, herbal tea. The flowers create an extract that may be turned into a pill or liquid that can be sold in pharmacies or health stores as a supplement that strengthens the immune system. I find this particularly interesting because I would have never expected that this beautiful flower had any sort of practical qualities. When I found this flower on campus, it came up to my waist. It was a statement flower that stood proudly over the shrubbery surrounding it. Little did I know that it was a powerful flower in more ways than one.

Source: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ecpu

Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5489649

The House Sparrow, known in some communities as the Passer domesticus, is a small songbird that populates North America. This is one of the most adaptive birds in the world. It has successfully survived in urban areas and farming areas by associating itself with humans. They live among humans, within manmade structures and aggressively defending their homes against threats. They feed on seeds and insects and even from waste material (crumbs) found in human garbage. These spastic and incredible little birds can be found all over campus. Though small, they are resourceful survivors. I love watching them fly around.

Source: http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/house-sparrow

Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5862761

Oenothera speciosa, also known as the pink evening primrose, is a small, 4-petal flower distributed along southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. As the name reveals, this flower tends to open mainly during the evening hours and close in the early morning. One can usually find the pink lady in plains, prairies, meadows, and/or hillsides. I, for one, located these pretty little flowers on a grassy hillside on campus. For now, they will be very abundant due to the high moisture in the soil and the consistent rain. However, during the summer they will become dormant until they can re-colonize in their preferred soil with the perfect balance between dry and moist. I think the best way to describe these little plants is the word “cute.”

Source: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=oesp2

Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5481771